Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower, gas tank, briggs

Question
Hi John,

We bought a new Murray with a 4 stroke 4.5 horse Briggs engine last summer.  The gas was left in it over the winter, I'm not sure if our tenant put Stabil in it, probably not. My wife got it running last week with the old gas in the tank and she was able to mow. It ran out of gas.  She put gas from last year in it from the gas can, which probably didn't have Stabil in it.  She got it to start but as soon as she put a load on it, moving it into the grass it stoped.  She was able to start it again but it killed every time she put it in the grass. She sucked the old gas from the tank and put new gas in it and it is still doing the same thing.  Any ideas.

Thanks.  Gary

Answer
 Hello Gary:

 Yes. Clean and Rebuild the Carb. Clean the Gas Tank. Winterizing the Mower is Important. DO NOT STORE WITH GAS IN THE MOWER. Run the Engine until it Quits. Then its Ready for the Winter. When she Ran the Tank dry, Trash was pulled into the Carb. Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John