Hi everyone! I have a John Deere riding mower model 102, it's somewhat old since it's a 07, but runs good when it runs. My question is, it won't start unless I use starting fluid or carb cleaner, then it shuts off immediately. As long as I spray carb cleaner in it, it runs. I figured it was the carburetor but what needs to be done to it to keep it running. I also took off the carb bowl and the gas had gelled, so I cleaned it out and still the same issue. Please help!

Had a similar problem several months ago with a pressure washer which had been corroded by ethanol gasoline. In trying to find the parts, I discovered I could buy the whole carb for around 30 bucks. Having discovered that, I don't work on them anymore until I first try to find a new replacement. Check here: John Deere parts

Call them. You can go crazy trying to find the part online. I wouldn't be surprised if you can get the part for less than a hundred bucks.

You need to clean the ENTIRE carb out, jets, fuel ine , everything... not just the bowl. You will have gelled fuel in the jets and the inlet as well. It all needs cleaned out. THey symptoms you describe are fuel starvation... and you've proven that's why.

Hi,
I agree. Clean and use the rebuild kit. If it is a Walbro carb, the Deere #AM134845 or Briggs #697241.
Peace,
Clarke