I posted here last year, and I got some great advice that helped me resolve my problem. So new year, new problem!

I've got a 2004 Troy-Bilt 21" push mower. I prime the engine per the operator instructions, pull the start cord 6-8 times, and hit the start handle. At best, the engine will start, run for about 3-4 seconds, and die.

The carburetor was cleaned last spring, and I also installed a new spark plug at the same time. I know the mower needs an oil change (oil is very black but not sludgy) but the engine is not low on oil. I have not checked the spark plug yet, but the spark plug wire cap is pretty clean. Also air filter is pretty clean.

It sounds to me like the engine is not getting any more fuel. It's burning what's been primed in, but that's it.

Also, this happened all of a sudden about 3 weeks ago. The mower had been runnning fine all morning. I did have to stop several times, turn the mower on its side, and clean wet grass clippings out from under the deck. But it finally just stopped running and started exhibiting the issues I listed at the top of the message. When I checked the air filter this weekend, probably the top 1/4 of the filter had oil on it (like oil leaked onto the filter when I put the mower on its side). Any suggestions on what to do? Thanks in advance!!

Chris

Better to repost your question using a new subject line.

1. Turn off engine key and disconnect spark plug.
2. Pump out gas tank (or tilt mower) to gas can.
3. Remove air filter cover (1-bolt, 5/16" socket) and air filter.
4. Remove 3 air filter housing bolts (5/16" socket).
5. Remove air filter housing from hose in back.
6. Carefully remove carburetor gasket from carburetor.
7. Slide fuel line hose clamp 1" up hose (pliers, channel locks) but do not remove hose at this time.
8. Remove two carburetor bolts (3/8" socket).
9. Rotate carburetor CCW to remove throttle cable.
10. Raise the carburetor, remove fuel line from the carb and hook fuel line around the engine key (to keep residual gas from draining).
11. Empty gas from carburetor bowl through inlet into gas can.
12. Blow dirt off of the carburetor with compressed air if you have it.
13. Thoroughly clean the outside of the carburetor with Gumout Carb + Choke Cleaner or equivalent spray cleaner.
14. Remove the bowl nut (1/2" socket) and remove bowl.
15. Thoroughly clean bowl (there will probably be some grit on the bottom) and set it aside.
16. Insert tube in cleaner nozzle and thoroughly spray the aspiration tube and fuel inlet pipe.
17. Blow the carburetor including the two tubes with compressed air if you have it.
18. With the carburetor upright, blow into the fuel line connection. Air should blow freely.
19. Invert the carburetor and blow again. There should be no air flow as the float needle valve should close.
20. Apply anti-cease to the five carburetor bolts.
21. Reinstall carburetor gasket onto the air filter housing.
22. Reassembly is the reverse of these steps. Since this is a single speed carburetor, there are no adjustments.

This worked for me. Replacement carburetor can be found at:
http://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-498170-Carburetor/dp/B00176FTW0

Once the gas tank was drained, I placed hose clamps on each of the hoses, installed the filter then tightened the clamps. I then poured the gas from the tub back into the gas tank decanting away the solids that were in the fuel line just waiting to plug up the carburetor aspirator orifice.