I have a Poulan 38" cut rider with a Briggs and Stratton 14.5 hp engine. It is about 6 or 7 years old and has always ran great and has had regular maintenance (oil change and plugs, kept out of direct weather).

It sat in the garage for about 2 months due to illness when my wife decided to change the oil and cut the grass. After about 5 miutes she said it just quit and wouldn't restart. It was appearantly running well and quit instantly. I have looked it over and found appropriate level of oil and gas. It spins over fine, it just won't fire.

When I pour a little gas (from it's own tank) directly into the carb, it will run but poorly, until it uses that gas. With other tries of this, it will quit instantly upon releasing the brake and trying to move the mower under it's own power.

I am merely a shade tree mechanic and may take this to a small engine shop, but I'd like to have an idea of what the problem is when I drop it off. Does any one have an idea?

Thanks,
Roy

Does the carb have a fuel solenoid attached to the bottom side of the carb's float bowl? If so, this may be the cause. And if the fuel solenoid is bad, some of them cost $50. Plus to replace, (this is not labor, just the part). Remove the solenoid from the carb bowl, you will probably have to grind down and open end wrench to fit the thin area between the solenoid and bowl. Then reconnect the wire(s) to the solenoid, hold it against a grounded surface, and turn the key just to the run position, do not attempt to start, just the run position, if the solenoid is good, it will retract the plunger into the solenoid, if not you may be able to "free" it up with some good lube and get it to working. Be sure it is grounded when you test the solenoid.

My briggs an Strat will not stay running and I have put new gas in it and sprayed it with starter fliut

Repost your own question, and give good details of symptoms and actions taken, then we may be able to assist you.