Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower wont start, briggs and stranton, lawn mower wont start

Question
I pull the cord and it stays running for about 4 secs and then stops-if I push the prim button when it is running for  it will keep going if i push the button every 2 seconds or so-theengine fades out and then comes back strong when I push the button-I feel like it is not getting gas-I cleaned out the filter and sprayed some cleaner into the "carb?" from an opening when the filter was removed-this helped a little but it still cuts out-I have a briggs and stranton 4 hp engine-any help is appreciated  Thanks  scott

Answer
Hi Scott,

You are right, the engine is not getting fuel.  If the primer bulb is not torn or doesn't have a hole in it, 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.  Adding a carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either but you could try just the cleaning first.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael