I have a yard machine mower that was running great. It shut off in the middle of cutting and that was that. If I pour gas in the carb it tries to start, so I know I have fire. I have plenty of gas going to the carb and the solenoid on the bottom is working fine. I had the carb off, took the main jet out and everything looks clear. Sprayed some carb cleaner in and blew all holes out with air. Can't find any blockages, but alas, not too familiar with this type of carb. Don't think the float is hanging up and the needle looks great. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Try's to start? Meaning it will run when dribbling gas down the carb? And the solenoid makes a faint clicking sound when the key is turned?

Solenoid is definitely working. I took it off the bowl, turned the key on and it clicked and the pin retracted. The motor doesn't actually run, just tries to run. If I don't dribble gas in the carb, it just cranks and cranks. If I dribble gas in the carb, it will act like it wants to take off, but doesn't actually run. Soon as it depletes the supply of gas, it goes back to the normal cranking as if it were out of gas.

I'd try a new plug just in case... can you get the compression checked?

Hey Briggs Dude!

Okay, here's the deal. The intake push rod (aluminum) was broken. Also found out the motor had been rebuilt before the tractor was *given* to me. Replaced the push rod and while in there, noticed one of the valve caps was missing on the intake valve... or is it missing?. heard different, some have one on each valve, some have only one on the exhaust valve. If you can clarify for me, that would be cool. Anyway, set the intake valve clearance at .005 and the exhaust at .007 after 1/4" TDC. Fired it up, ran smooth, but I managed to kill every stinking mosquito in the back yard just idling that puppy! It's smokin' like a big dog! Blue smoke. Your thoughts please (blown head gasket? Valve seal loose?). Thanks in advance and sorry for the book I just wrote.

Yeah it sounds like the head gasket (improper torque)

Believe its 220 inch pounds.

BriggsDude,

Appreciate the assistance. Will let you know the outcome.

Well Problem Already Solved I See , Got Here Too Late, My Thoughts Were The Valve.
Thanks, Mowerman2468

Two Years late and my apologies! But just in case someone else is having this problem, the smoke finally cleared out about 15 minutes after running the mower (must have been oil build-up in the piston as a result of the push rod being broken) and the mower has been running great ever since.