I have an Arien's RT 524 tiller with a 5 horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine. I tried to run it for the first time this spring. I put in new gasoline. I didn't change the oil because I only used the machine 2 times last year.

The problem is that it will start after several pulls and revs up for 1 second and dies. I've tried starter fluid, choking, not choking, putting it on idle and run and nothing works. Any ideas of what the problem could be?

Gas is turned off.

Leaving any fuel in the carb over the winter without a fuel additive like Sta-bil will cause the fuel valve to stick closed.

You can try Seafoam carb cleaner. You mayhave to clean the carb, particularly the fuel valve.

Make sure the governor can operate freely.

Starting fluid is not recommended for small engines, It lacks lubercation. Use spray carb cleaner instead.