Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn tractor, hp briggs, gas filter

Question
Michael,  What am I missing?  Mower, 17 hp, Briggs, 3 yrs old, starts but dies after about 5-8 seconds. Drained tank, new gas, filter clean, plugs clean.  Seems gas starved...if I keep spraying starting fluid into the carb, it will continue running -- I stop spraying, it stops, choke open or choke closed.  But, I see gas spurting into the carb as its dying.  It sat outside all winter, but I got it started a few days ago and it ran for 10 minutes till I shut it down.

Answer
Hi John,

If it runs when you add fuel to the carb intake then there is a carb fuel problem.  Usually this is due to dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside the carb.  You will need to remove it, disassemble and clean the inside, including all the small openings.  Finally, blow it out with compressed air.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael