Runs for a bit, then sputters and dies.

[thomasewhite]

Hello everyone. I have a Murray rear engine, riding lawn mower with a Briggs & Stratton 875 Series (190 cc) electric start engine. When cold the mower starts up first try and runs well. After a few minutes, it begins to sputter and dies shortly after words. It begins smoking pretty bad as it is sputtering/dying. It does start back up after a few tries, but it immediately begins smoking and sputtering and then dies. I have tried running it without the air filter with no change.

 

[BlazNT]

What color smoke?

 

[Mannster]

I'm sure you already thought of this, but what's your gasoline quality? I had this problem a couple of years ago and realized I was running with a tank from the previous season. I drained it, put new gas in and it ran like a champ.

 

[slk230red]

When the same thing happened to my 1986 Murray RER, 8HP B&S, it turned out to be a clogged fuel cap. I cleared the vent hole and the problem was resolved.