QuestionI own a 1-year old Craftsman 6.75 lawnmower (Model #917.378851) with a Briggs & Stratton engine (Part #125K02-0253). A few days ago I was mowing the back yard and the engine suddenly slowed down and stopped. I thought is was out of fuel but it wasn't. I checked the owners manual troubleshooting section and discovered it could be the carburetor (Part #498170). I removed the carburetor and it looked relatively clean but I shot it with carb cleaner anyway, replaced the carburetor, tightened the screws, replaced the fuel and tried to start it up again, but no luck. It will sputter for a few seconds and then die out. I already replaced the spark plug and air cleaner and cleaned underneath the mower. I read something about the fuel control lever but I'm not sure if my model has such a part, and if so, I'm not sure where this part is located.
AnswerHi Philip,
I think I answered this question earlier today but if not here it is:
Try to start it while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake. If it starts and you can keep it running by adding fuel, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside.
First, check the gas cap to make sure it is venting and not causing a vacuum in the tank. If that's okay, 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.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
