Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S on a trimmer reel mower quits running, trimmer reel mower, solid as a rock

Question
My mower is about 7 years old and has been solid as a rock. A few days ago, I filled it with new gas and cut the yard. Right as I was putting it away, it shut off. I assumed it was out of gas and put it away. Today I got it out and went through the normal startup. With choke full and throttle at run, it started right up. As I eased back the choke, it started the surge/pause pattern. I put choke back on and let it warm a bit more (it was 99 today) and it ran smooth with full choke whereas it normally sputters there. If I put any load (reel or drive), it stops. I took off the air filter (very new), started it up, it ran for a few seconds and then stops. I had it tuned up at the end of last summer at the local Ace. It has run fine this summer til now. The only new variable is the new gas but I filled my car from the same pump and have noticed no problem. The choke and throttle are connected and engaging. Probably elementary. Any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Keith:

Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. However, 1- if the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor, Check the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid. If the Solenoid is Bad this will Happen. Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets. 2- If the Cut Off Solenoid is Good, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. The Gas May have had Some Small Particals of Trash in it. This has Restricted the Gas Flow Through the Jets.Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John