Tractor help

[Buckster]

I have a 19 HP Sears Briggs and Stratton 2 cylinder engine. Put some gas in it. It wasn't empty by the way. It has been run a few times this season already. Ran about a week ago. Started up fine and went about 10' and died. Has happened before. Pulled choke out again and motor turns nicely but won't start.
So...I changed the oil-just cuz it needed it, changed the air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs and checked gap. Still will not start.
The saftey switch under the seat has been removed by previous owner so I know its not that. I did notice some fluid spurting out of the exhaust pipe as the engine was turning over and it seems to be gas.
Any help would be appreciated. I'm not much of a mechanic but I'm trying to learn.
Thanks, Buck.

[stilldking]

Pull the plugs and see if they're soaked w/ fuel. (May have flooded it with excessing choke use.)
With it dying a little after starting, sounds like the carb may have some varnish from the fuel sitting. May need to take the carb in to get cleaned out.

Keep us posted.
JC

[towerworker]

Might check the fuel pick up in the tank, might be some water if it sat all winter. Pull the tank and empty it and wash it out with some of that new $4 a gallon gas!
Check for crud in the tank and if there is you may also have a clogged fuel filter.

[Buckster]

Thanks...I was wondering if just spraying some carb cleaner in the carb would work or do I need to take it off and have someone take it apart and clean it?

[jb44]

You changed the air and fuel filters and spark plugs.

Did you check to see it the plugs were wet after cranking?

Is there spark at both plugs?

Is that raw gas in the tailpipe?

You can start with a carb cleaner. But if there is a lot of crap built up in the carb bowl, you will still need to take it off and clean it.

A couple of other things that come to mind: water in the gas, and a stuck carb float.

Try some engine starter spray, available at most auto parts stores, and see if it starts.

Add the proper dosage of Sta-bil every time you fill up your mower gas can, not just for season end storage.

Hope some of this helps.

jb

[Buckster]

Thanks jb. I called Sears and went over some of the things I did and the problems I was having. They came up with the stuck float problem. I bought some carb cleaner and sprayed the inside and outside pretty thorough and it finally fired up and stayed running. I don't know if carb cleaner can free up a stuck float or not but it's running now.
Thanks to all for your help!!