Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Push Lawn Mower, carburetor body, crankcase breather

Question
John,
I have a push lawn mower, not exactly sure of the brand off the top of my head, it is maybe 10 yrs old and it has a tecumseh engine.  Anyway, I don't think the specifics are too relevant in this case.  This lawn mower was running great, it has always started on the first pull, everytime.  The other day, my girlfriend decided to mow the lawn and thought the mower needed oil, so she put a whole quart of oil in the mower.  She said it wouldn't run anymore, so when I got home I dumped the oil out so it was down to the correct level, primed the engine a few times and the mower fired right up for about 3 or 4 seconds and died.  Now it does this everytime.  I can pull and pull and get nothing, then if I prime the engine with the little primer bulb it runs for a few seconds and dies.  Its like it burns the fuel that I pump into the carb with the primer bulb and then it quits.  I put a new spark plug on hoping that it would be the fix.  Still does the same thing, could you tell me what you think is possibly wrong with it??  Any ideas on what I can do, I know the mower was running excellent until this happened.

Answer
Hello Eric:

Clean the Crankcase Breather. If the Engine Still Continues to Start and Quit, then  Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have 2 PDF Site Addys that May Assist you Also. They are; 1- http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf and 2- http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf 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