I have an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine Model No. 407777 Type No. 0121-E3 on a Sears lawn tractor. It has not been used very much, but I can't get it to start and keep running. It turns over just fine with a good battery. With use of the spray starting fluid I can get it to run for about 10 seconds only. I drained the bowl and put in "fresh" gasoline that is getting from the tank through the fuel filter and to the carburetor bowl. The air filter is clean and the sprk plugs are like new.
What is the problem?

Ron Gliebe, August 2009

On the bottom of the carb bowl, there is an electrical connector. Cheack that it's connected, and that there is battery voltage present when key is 'ON'.

If this checks out, the carb will have to be stripped and cleaned - suspect the cut-off solenoid (activated via that connection) has stuck.

phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, August 2009