Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 6.5hp B&S Lawn Mower dies after starting, piece of dirt, float bowl

Question
Hi Michael,
Yesterday while mowing the lawn my mower died.It's a 2 yr old Craftsman with 6.5hp B&S engine. It started and ran fine and I finished the front yard. Went to the back and started mowing...hit some big weeds and it died instantly. Turned it on it's side to clear the blade shaft. Turned it back over and now it wont stay running.
I give it a pull and it revs up and then dies instantly. I let it cool off and it did the same thing. Tried again today, same thing. Had my son hold in the primer bulb while I started it and no change. Air filter is good but I tried it without it and again no change. It starts up right away on the first or second pull and then just dies. Fuel is fresh, oil is ok.
                    MJ

Answer
Hi MJ,

Sorry for my delay.  The holiday was busy here.

Try to keep it running by squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb's intake.  If it runs then, I would suspect that something is causing a lack of fuel flow in the carb.  Tipping the mower might have dislodged a piece of dirt in the float bowl.  

I am swamped with questions and won't be able to answer a follow up until next week.  Sorry.

Good luck,
Michael