Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 16.5 briggs wont start/keep running, probaly, small engines

Question
Hi i have a 16,5 briggs mower that i just bought, it hasnt been ran in 2 years, when i first used it ran good for about 10 min then quit. After this it has been hard to get it to crank. When it does its only for a few secs. It turns over fine but just doesnt want to run. I dont know much about small engines, but i think the carb probaly needs to be cleaned. Any help would be appreciated. Also is the carb easy to take off and clean ive never done this. THank you

Answer
Hi Dave,

You are on the right track.  Try to start it while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake.  If it starts and runs as long as fuel is added, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris, gummed fuel or water inside.  You will need to remove the carb, disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire.  A carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.  The carb removal and cleaning may take 2 hours and will require a clean work area and a bit of patience.

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck,
Michael