Sputter, Sputter, Zoom, then out

[DirkT]

I have a Craftsman mower that's about eight years old, though it's been used lightly during that time.

This summer, it worked fine the first time out. But subsequently, after starting it up, the engine just sputtered and sputtered and sputtered, though the blade still turned and cut grass. Just before it runs out of gas, it revs up to full speed, then dies 30 seconds later.

I live in a small town whose only small engine mechanic is expensive and of dubious quality and integrity.

Anybody have an idea of what could be bothering my mower and how difficult it would be to repair myself?

 

[ILENGINE]

I would start by making sure I have fresh fuel in the tank, check/replace the air cleaner, replace the spark plug, and see what happens.

 

[Av8r]

I would start by making sure I have fresh fuel in the tank, check/replace the air cleaner, replace the spark plug, and see what happens.

Good suggestions. You also might want to check the vent on your gas cap. Ethanol in modern fuels can plug that and starve it out. Aside from the earlier items, you might have some gunk in the carb

 

[Fish]

Remove the air filter and then start it up and see if it runs better, if it does, replace the air filter. If it still runs rich, look at the choke and make sure it isn't stuck shut.