Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 5hp B&S stalls out, briggs stratton engine, full throtle

Question
Hi Eric,
I could only look straight down in the tank(there is a sponge that sits on top of a plastic piece)

I have taken a look in the gas tank with a light - There is no rust, but there is some debris in the bottom of the tank. It does not cover the whole bottom of the tank, just spots where the debis clummped together. If I hit it with a screw driver the debris floats through the gas.   Looks to me like we are on the right track. Now the question is how to we get the debis out?

I do live in a 4 season climate, Massachusetts. (still on cloud 9 with the SOX , and rooting on the Patriots)

look forward to hearing where to go from here,

Thanks
Ray W




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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
I have a 5hp Briggs & Stratton engine on my Little Wonder blower. The engine is a:
Model 135212 Type 1216e1 Code 000922ya.
  The problem I have is when I get down to about 1/2 a tank of gas, the engine starts to shut down / stall. At this point I can put the choke at 1/2 to 3/4 and it will usually stay running.  I usually have it running full throtle, but when it cuts out I'll back off a hair and also adjust the choke to keep it going.  There are times when I can not keep it going.  If I put gas in at this point and try to start it, it is  tough to start.  I have had it start up again at this point, and I have been unable to start it at this point.  

I alywas use fuel with stabilizer, So I believe the fuel is OK.  I have also replaced the spark plug, and checked the air filter(it is new).  I removed the spongefilter that sits ontop of the air filter - it was pretty dirty.  The unit still stalled out on me.  I Then did a test where I Started the unit with a full tank and just let it run at Full throttle, not moving the blower around).  It got well below 1/2 a tank of fuel without missing a beat.  This problem started recently and has happened about 5 times.  I really don't use it often just fall and spring probably 10 hours at most over a couple of weeks each season.

Thanks in advance for the help and If I can provide more info please let me know.

Ray
Answer -
Is there any rust or debris in the fuel tank?  Check inside the tank using a flashlight.

Do you live in a 4 season climate?  It is possible you may have some water in the fuel tank from condensation.

Let me know what you find.
Eric

Answer
You can try using an old turkey baster (spelling??) to suck the debris out or a siphon pump.  You may get luckey and get all the debris out but usually you have to clean the carb.

I'd try draining/siphoning out the debris first, but if the problem persists then you'll have to clean the carb/tank.

Don't forget to check you gas cans also...water seems to condensate in plastic gas cans.

Let me know what happens.
Eric