Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): kohler 17.5 sears craftman 42 in cut/3 yrs old, sears craftman, stator

Question
Ive had this mower for 3 yrs..
 My question is? I checked my battery and have 12.29 Volts so my battery is OK,The battery will not hold a charge and I use this mower about 3 times a month so its not standing for too long...So i jump my mower off my running car..The moter will turn and fire up if I pour gas directly into the carb but after it fires up and burns what i pourd into the carb, it shuts off again like its not getting gas..I checked the fuel line and have clean flow and even changed the fuel filter and spark plug but it just wont seem to stay running...And iwas running the mower at the time it did it,,Like I got it started and was cutting my grass for awhile and it just shut down...My battery,I had to jump it off again and while i was cutting , the motor sounded like it was trying to cut off, running real ruff...The only thing I have not done yet is to drain the gas and put new gas in but that still wont explain why the mower wont start or even turn over from just the lawn mower battery especially and why it wont stay running? Could U drop me a line with maybe some suggestions? Its like the motor is not getting gas unless I put the gas into the top of the carb and then it wont stay running but for maybe 20 seconds.On the bottom of my carb/ the bowl, there is a wire on the bottom of the bowl and was wondering if it was a fuel sensor like?Any suggestions are greatly apreciated.

Answer
Hello Steve:

If the Mower was Jumped from a Vehicle and the Vehicle was Running, then the First Problem is the Stator/Alternator on the Mower. Usually when the Mower is Jumped with a Vehicle and the Vehicle is Running; the Alternator of the Vehicle (68 AMPs Min) Usually Shorts the Stator/Alternator on the Mower (16AMPs Max). If you are Lucky and Have a Regulator on the Engine, then you May have Damaged Just the Regulator. The Stator/Alternator Must Operate in Order for the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid to Stay Engaged. If the Carburetor Solenoid Does Not Have 11.9VDC Minimum, then the Engine Runs Rough and Shuts Off. This will Also Explain Why the Battery was Not Staying Charged. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine and Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John