Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Vacuum, sears craftsman, lawn vacuum

Question
I have a Sears Craftsman 4.5 hp Lawn Vacuum.  After priming, it will start but
stop a few seconds later.  I'm sure its a fuel problem.  If I pour gas into the carb,
I can keep it running.  I have emptied the fuel tank & refilled with fresh gas.  
Could the fuel line be clogged?  Help.

Answer
Bill
The problem may be a dirty carburetor.Is the gas flowing in to the carburetor?  If not you could have a piece of trash in the needle & seat.  The needle & seat controls the gas flow that starts & stops the gas. You will have to clean or replace. It’s best to replace.Some models have chokes.  Chokes are used to draw gas through the center jet to run.  If the choke is not working properly and it is not closing all the way the engine cannot draw gas through the center jet and will not crank.You need to check the needle & seat to see if it has trash or is bad.  Is your float bad?  To check the float pull the pin that holds your float in place, shake the float and if there is fluid inside of the float, replace it.  Don’t forget to set the float level.