from your description, the problem is related to the carburetor and fuel system. Old fuel, water in the fuel, and a plugged main fuel jet can cause this. Most owners do not have the correct tools to rebuild a carburetor, so replacement may be the best choice. Many dealers carry this carburetor in their spare parts. The carburetor is easy to replace. In addition to replacing the carburetor, remove the fuel tank for internal cleaning. Drain the old fuel and clean the interior by spraying carburetor cleaner inside. Drain and dry with your air supply. Install a new section of fuel line.

You may need to prime the carburetor when attempting the first start.

thank bluemower.. an i have a set of tool . plus i just went out to get more tool for this project. so do you mind running thru the rebuilding a carburetor.. bluemower

remove the air filter cover and the air filter cartridge. Use a 5/16" nut driver to remove the 3 screws that hold the plastic air filter housing to the carburetor.

remove the old fuel hose from the carburetor, then remove the fuel tank. Follow the steps previously mentioned to clean this.

Use a 3/8" nut driver to remove the carburetor. If your carburetor is equipped with the plastic throttle shaft, be careful when removing from the governor linkage. The plastic will snap off very easily. With the carburetor removed, I usually clean the exterior with purple power cleaner (409 is similar) as I don't like working on dirty parts.

Remove the fuel bowl and place removed parts on a towel. If the interior of the fuel bowl is corroded, you should stop and buy the new carburetor. Otherwise, remove the float bowl seal and the needle / float. In the needle compartment, remove the Viton seat with a suitable pick. I use a dental pick. Mark the throttle plate and remove. Remove the throttle shaft. I usually clean these parts with a carburetor dip or ultrasonic cleaner. The main fuel jet required special attention. If you do not use a carburetor dip, clean the jet with carburetor spray. After cleaning, rinse with fresh water and dry with low pressure air.

To assemble, moisten the needle compartment with a light lubricant such as wd 40. Put a light dab of grease on the end of a 3/16 rod. The smooth side of the new Viton seat can be placed on the end of the rod. The grooved side goes into the needle compartment first. Push the seat all the way in. Install a new dust seal on the throttle shaft and assemble with the throttle plate. Crimp the end of the throttle plate screws if equipped. On plastic throttle shafts, simply push the throttle plate into position. Install the carburetor.

Always install a new fuel hose. Make sure the air filter housing is clean and the primer compartment is dry. If the mounting surface of the air filter housing is warped, try using two gaskets. After adding fuel, observe primer operation. Check engine RPM. Good luck

sometimes you can get away with just removing the bowl and cleaning, especially if you left fuel over the winter. when have the nut in hand inspect to see if there are any holes (could be several?), if so, make sure all are cleaned out (thin wire).

Just remove the Brass Nut holding the fuel bowl on. (clamp off the fuel line)

That is your carb Main Jet.

Clean all the TINY HOLES in it.

Reassemble & mow.