Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Keeping my mower running, water in the fuel, rotary mower

Question
I was given a rotary mower. I put gas in it and it started and I moved the front lawn; and started the back yard.  It died; and now it'll start for a second, then quit.  HELP!  I'm on SSI and cannot afford a costly repair; or to buy a mower.

Don

Answer
Hi Don
Ok- lets cover some basics.
1- Do you have tools and are you mechanically inclined?
2- What is the engine type and model number?  Size?
3- Know the model of the rotary mower?

Could be several things at this point, not likely even serious.  Water in the fuel tank collects in the fuel bowl, thats the number one fault with old give-away mowers.  Second place is ignition points.  Third is simply some kind of filter has gotten clogged, be it fuel or air.

Get me some info and away we'll go!  :)