Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears Craftsman/B&S Tiller, sears craftsman, sears repair

Question
I have a Sears branded Briggs & Stratton 5HP Rear tine tiller.  Sears model # 917.299691, B&S engine # 130202.  It is about 10 years old.  I am having trouble getting it started and keeping it running.  I have changed the oil, gas, used carburator cleaner, added lubicant, etc.  I can get is started with a generous dose of starter fluid, but it never really revs up to full speed and eventually stalls out.  I brought it to a local repair shop, but they would not touch it starting that Sears controlls the parts market for their branded products.  But they did say that they thought the engine was shot as it had no compression left.  I find this odd, since I can get it started and it will run briefly with starter fluid applied.  I would think that if there was no compression, it wouldn't even start at all.  Any advice other than bringing it to a Sears repair center?  Thanks in advance. Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,

If the compression is low, it may run but not well.  You would need to test it.  
If it runs only with the addition of fuel, then I would suspect a lack of fuel flow to the engine.  (You might have both problems.)
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.
(The engine parts needed are B&S not Sears, so the repair shop should be able to work on it.)

Let me know how you make out.
Michael