Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 111 with Briggs and Stratton 11 hp, briggs and stratton, jd dealer

Question
The spark plug is brand new - I did clean off all the excess dirt, grass and overall junk under the mower, around the engine, under the hood including taking off the shroud. What is strange is when I spray starter fluid around the carb area (which we cleaned all around and inside) it ran really well. Then all of a sudden, it dies. It will start for a very short time then continues to die until I let it sit over night. Any chance there's an air leak around the carb area? Thanks so much for your time.
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Followup To

Question -
Our JD 111 has begun stalling on a regular basis and then only starting for 5 seconds or less with starter fluid.  We have replaced the fuel pump, the fuel filter and all the lines ran cleaning fluid through it. At one point it started running great and when it died it was so hot the oil was boiling. Our JD dealer is of no help.  Any suggestions?

Answer -
What spark plug is in the engine?  Have you recently replaced the spark plug?


Is the carb dirty causing the engine to run lean resulting in overheating?
Have you removed the engine shroud and cleaned the engine block fins to make sure it is cooling properly?

Let me know.
Eric

Answer
An air leak is possible...this can cause the engine to run lean and overheat.

Have you checked the carb gaskets?
Also check the engine mounting bolts and make sure they are tight.

I would also check the headbolts for tightness.

Let me know what you know.
Eric