ahhhh forgot.......Model number is 917.289272

1) LOSE THE STARTING FLUID! that's only for big engines, you'll blow that small one. Use rattlecan carb cleaner instead.
2) may have one dead cyl. Try pulling one plug wire at a time and running engine - if engine behaves as described already one way and not at all the other, then one cyl is not firing.

I had that problem and found it to be the fuel filter/line. The previous owner had put in a new one but not Briggs. He also changed the route on the fuel line allowing mine to develop an air lock in the fuel line. New line and new filter and its been good to go.

both cylinders firing....this thing cranks and runs smooth as silk until you get aggressive with throttling up or it comes under load.

full stream of gas pumping out of the pulse pump and into the carb...so if it's fuel starving....its prolly inside the carb

I think cleaning the carb is probably next

Did you do the "load test" as described by rcbe?
You can have both cylinders firing, but only one producing power because of a clogged jet or blown head gasket etc.

Twin carbs?
You must have a "very special" Briggs!

ok....to be more specific---twin or dual throated.....fell back into the homeowner vernacular....ha

at any rate....yes....I can hear the change in engine tone when I pull each plug wire, respectively.....checked piston movement.....good plugs....etc

a clogged jet is where I'm leaning at this point....this engine was used in a pretty dirty environment before I got it....filter was in place and was decent....but u never know....166 hours

thks for the input....

I

"yes....I can hear the change in engine tone when I pull each plug wire, "

Under LOAD?

I give up.

yes Bill....under load....

patience is a virtue, my man.....

well,son... never bite the hand that ... seems you are looking for a handholder. Have fun with yer carb.

well buddy....u know what they say about free advice

I shoulda known better

bye. have fun.