Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine starts but does not run, float bowl, soft brass

Question
My snapper two stroke starts just fine but will not continue to run . I prime the carb again and it will start on the first pull but only run until the gas in the carb is gone. There is no shut off valve on the tank.

the engine is a 4 hp 2 cycle. Sorry I dont recall the year of the mower.  

Answer
Remove the spark plug before working on the engine.

Most likely the problem is old fuel or debris in the carburetor.  Drain the fuel from the tank.  Next, get a container or old rag to catch fuel that comes out of the carburetor.  Remove the carburetor float bowl nut...fuel will spill out.  The float bowl nut is located on the bottom of the carburetor.  

After all the fuel is drained out, re-install the float bowl nut.  Be careful not to over tighten the soft brass float bowl nut.  Also, make sure the holes in the nut are clean.

After it is back together, re-fill with fresh fuel.

Let me know what happens.
Eric