Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower, tune ups, pipe cleaner

Question
This is probably pretty basic.  I have a no frills lawnmower and when I start it, it starts right up but then stops after a few seconds.  I went and got gas and it is still doing it.   Is this something easy to fix?  Is it the choke or?this is a basic Craftsman  Eager1   It is about 15 years old but I did just have it tuned up at the beginning of the summer.  HELP!!!

Answer
Hey Tami,
Tune ups only cover basic things like air filter, spark plug, and oil change. So you dont have a completely broken down lawn mower. What you need to do is take off the carburetor and soak it in gasoline for an hour. Then take a pipe cleaner and thread the pipe cleaner through every small hole in the carb. After you have finished this soak the carb again in gasoline for another 10 minutes. If you really want the assurance of a completely cleaned carb get a can of compressed air and send air right through the carb holes. Re-install the carb and fill gas tank with fresh gasoline. Let me know how it works out.