Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawnmower problem, briggs and straton, internal passages

Question
Hey Marc,

 I have an White Industrial Mower with a 18.5HP Briggs and Straton and it seems I can't keep it running. When I crank it,k it runs for a minute then dies like it's not getting gas to throttle up. I took off the carb and found the float has a small split in it, would this be causeing it or maybe something else?

Answer
It is likely the carb needs to be cleaned thoroughly as indicated by the engine only running on choke.  In the spring, old fuel gumming up the carb is the #1 problem with seasonal equipment.  You would need to thoroughly clean the carb using a piece of tag wire to push through all of the internal passages and follow up with aerosol carb cleaner.  The float should move freely and be completely leak free (if it has fuel in it you should be able to hear it rattling around inside the float and the problem you would have would be flooding), the needle and seat shouldn't show excessive wear (would cause flooding) and the float level should be parallel to the carb body when you hold the carb upside down.  Hope this helps.