Lawn Mower cranks easily but dies in a few seconds

[Twoinchcut]

Hello,

I have a push mower (Weed Eater brand). I didn't need to use it last year, so it just sat.

Now I am trying to get it started, and am having problems. The lawnmower will crank for 3-4 seconds and then dies. I appears to be using the gas that I pumped into with the little bulb pump, but then runs out of fuel, perhaps.

I've changed the spark plug, tried it without pumping it, pumping it a lot, changed the oil, dumped out the gas and replaced the gas - always the same behavior.

Any help in troubleshooting why the engine only stays cranked for a few seconds would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pugaltitude]

What model of engine is it?
if its a briggs model 9 or 10 then diry in the carb at the pick up tube and the pick up on the tank.
Also could be the diaphragm is needing replaced.

 

[Twoinchcut]

It is a 500 Series Briggs & Stratton.

 

[MrEdna]

Clogged jet. Fuel not getting up to the top side of the carb. The pump puts the gas up to the top side allowing it to run for a few seconds. Clean out the jet hole with a very small needle or welding tip cleaner.

 

[Twoinchcut]

Thanks - I'll give it a try.

 

[Twoinchcut]

I ended up having to push start it.

Man, that really wore me out.