Hey guys, I have the same problem as Frankly Frank. Only my mower will start some times and run for a while and then just quit. When it runs it runs well and then just quits, like some one turned off the fuel. After that it will just crank and crank. It will try and run but only sputters and backfires. I have cleaned the carb and drained the tank as well. I have a new fuel filter, solenoid, changed the oil, and spark plug. Can any one help?

We seem to have a lot of oil breather problems lately. If you change the air cleaner will you find any traces of oil there?

When the engine dies, do you have a spark through the spark plug wire to the spark plug?

when the engine dies, do you have a spark through the spark plug wire to the spark plug?
I'm not sure if it has spark when it dies. I'm usually on it when it dies. After it dies some times it will start again, but will run l;ike it is starving for fule and then dies. Could this be the coil? Some one said that it could be the valves need to be adjusted. What do you think? After I get feed up with trying to start it and leave it alone for a day or so I can go back and it will start right up. This is confusing to me. It doesn't seem to be an electrical prob, but more like it is running out of gas. When I stick my finger in the carb it is bone dry. Is this normal? (sorry for any spelling errors its late)

That's exactly what I think it is , the coil , and when I asked if it had spark, I meant with you off the mower after it dies, and remove the spark plug, and hold the body of the plug against the engine housing and have someone turn the key to the start position. You will see the spark. If you feel froggy, just hold the spark plug, guaranteed results on the outcome of this test.
p.s.
I hurts pretty bad.
And do not do this if you have a pace maker.