Mower will start when choke is primed, however will not remain running for more than a few seconds. Have replaced gas, air filter and cleaned carburator. Still same results

needs to have carb cleaned out. most likely the main jet in the carb is plugged. symptoms include only running on choke and dies when choke is turned to run. or if you only have a primer bulb, it will only run for only a few seconds every time it is primed. if you are qualified to work on the carb, dont forget to start with fresh gas and possibly new fuel line and filter. R

clogged fuel line. the choke restricts air flow if it runs fine choked it is probably getting too much air to run properly. those 2 seconds it is most likely running off a surplus of fuel from priming or something of that sort.

Check fuel lines and fuel filter for obstructions. I reccomend replacing fuel filter also. If this does not help is may be a fuel issue in the carburetor.

Try removing the air filter and shooting a couple of shots of carb/choke cleaner through the throat of the carburetor. When you spray it, try the have the throttle wide open. Then turn on the choke and immediately try to start it. Try this procedure a few times. If you hear the engine "pop" or even if it starts to run (if only for a few seconds) then we are on the right track. We are trying to get the fuel pickup procedure going from the carburetor to the engine. Priming it this way with carburetor/choke aerosol spray will do that. Make sure the air filter is clean and that the spark plug is clean and gapped properly. If you want to clean the plug, rather than replace it, use a stiff steel wire brush to scrub away carbon and deposits. If this procedure doesn't work, we may have to drain the fuel system and remove the float bowl on the carb and remove and clean the main jet to the carb. Post back. I am always willing to help.

Ok here are 2 possible solutions.
1. If you have a mower with a sediment bowl under the carb and flat paper air filter, try this. Drain gas from gas tank. Remove the screw that holds the air filter cover. Replace air filter is dirty. Remove the two or three screws that are holding the flat plastic back of air filter cover. Remove the little gasket that is between the flat plastic back and sediment bowl. Make sure you remove all of old gasket. Clean the area around the sediment bowl so it is free of dirt and grim. Use a 1/2 socket (usually) and remove the bolt on underside of the bulb. The remaining gas in the bowl and a little left in the tank will leak out. I let it all run out so if any water is in tank it emptys on its own. Remove the bowl and clean it out with clean rag or paper towel. Use some carb and choke cleaner to spray the carb. Reattach the bowl, and tighten the bolt making sure the ruber gasket between the bowl and carb is not twisted or you will have leaks. Install a new gasket between carb and air filter back replace 2 or 3 screws and air filter and cover. Refill with gas, prime it and then try and start it.

2. If your carb is located ontop of the fuel tank, remove the cross tip screws that hold carb to tank and get a new diaphram (fuel pump in a sense). Replace diaphram and reassemble in reverse. You will have to also remove the bolt that holds tank to motor and the little metal rod that goes from the govonor to the choke.

From what you stated I would think it is number 1.

Good luck. Let me know if this helps.

roundo4

I posted same problem as this couple days ago. Took mower to shop. The governor spring (located just under the air filter) had come off. So glad it was something so minor!

Remove your fuel filter (in the tank usually) and, replace it

The fuel filter needs replaced or the carburetor needs cleaned.

From your description, it sounds like your carb is running too lean. Make sure the spark arrestor screen is free of carbon build-up and the air filter is in place. Warm the saw up. With the saw at idle, adjust the Low adjustment screw to slightly enrich the mixture. If you turn it to run the fastest possible when idling, it is too lean. When the Low setting is right, you will be able to increase the RPM without it dying. If the High setting is way too lean, it may also die when you open up the throttle. If you run the saw too lean, it willl overheat and sieze.

Check for spark
If yes, it is getting FIRE, just needs AIR and FUEL

Give it a 5-second shot or two of Starting Fluid (Ether) through the Air intake (filter) and try to start

Does it kick and run really fast and then stop?

If not, pull the plug, clean and check for GAP of 2-3 matchbook covers. Retry. Does it run (or try to)?

If it does, Now we have to look at Clogged air or fuel filter or water in line(s)

Remove air filter. Try ether again. If it starts and runs, replace or clean air filter. Done!

If not... Replace AIR filter and Drain fuel into metal or Glass jug, take off fuel filter, open and drain fuel bowl. Replace fuel filter, refill tank, prime, give it a shot of ether and try again. If it runs, Done!

If it still will not stay running, but you can coax it by giving it a blast every 5-10sec, it could be linkage, stuck choke, throttle plate or jets. Give carb a good cleaning, check throttle plate (in carb throat between it and Air Cleaner) and.check Choke. Try again.

If it still will not run, take to mower mechanic.

Drain float bowel
check for water .