I have a Poulan HD1842 Riding garden tractor. Last week i was mowing the yard, I started to run out of gas. I stopped and put in more gas. Tried to start the engine and all I got was backfire and it would not start. I have emptied the gas, and refilled, Changed the fuel line filter, cleaned the carburator. the engine is a Briggs and Stratton. Any advice???

start by disengaging the blade and putting the deck to it's highest position, prior to attempting to start the mower inspect under the mower deck making sure there is no Debee wedged interfering with the blade rotation, check your spindle's for play and inspect your mower and drive belts. once complete than give it a try. if by chance it does start but turns over you more than likely sheered the flywheel key.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it sounds like your transmission or rear end has went bad

does it run a little better with the choke on part of the way? did you leave gas in it from last season?gas is only good for about 30 days in a small engine

try sears parts online

Try this:
As soon as the motor begins to stall, loosen the gas cap. If that helps, clear the vent holes on the cap.
Gary

I had a simmilar problem. tried the carb rebuild it was better but would still run out of gas. My solution was to put a wire tie around the gas return line from the carburator and pinch it off a little bit that put more gas available at the carb and the unit would stay running.

check 2 c if it low on oil some mowers hav safety switch it will stop the spark

check and replace drive belt if neccasary

broken drive belt

Put a carb kit in it. If that does not work replace the gas cap they are supposed to breath and if they get clogged it will create a vacuum in the tank starving the engine for fuel.