16.5 Briggs ohv won't run has gas but won't run if I spray starter fluid it will run briefly this engine has a fuel solenoid under the fuel bowl.

Rich

Sounds like carb is gummed up with old gas.

Does the solenoid click when you turn the key? The solenoid may not work, but gas will get to the bowl. That solenoid shuts the gas off to the rest of the carb, if it doesn't work, no gas will get to the jets.

16.5 Briggs ohv wont run has gas but wont run if i spray starter fluid it will run briefly this engine has a fuel solenoid under the fuel bowl.

Rich
Is the fuel cutoff solinoid working you should hear a click when you turn on the key. I had one rhat the wire was broken right at the connector on rhw bowl. Or maybe it is the solinois it self. If the carburator is clean and adjusted to the initial settings it should stay running so you can fine tune the carb.

Could also be a stuck needle and float. More than likely it is gummed up though.