riding mower again

Agree, sounds like it's not getting enough fuel. If the above doesn't work, probably time to pull the carb, take it apart, and see if it's fouled up. That happens a lot on these. You can find a carb rebuild kit that has gaskets, needle valves, welch plugs, etc online, maybe Ebay, for $10

First for the fuel starvation symptom make sure the vent hole in the tank cap is clear...

Thank you for sharing.

Jenny Student at Olivet College of Design snipped-for-privacy@olivetuniversity.edu

As the mechanic said to the cardiologist who brought his Mercedes in for repair: "There's a lot we still do not understand about the carburetor. Best to just replace it."

That's one approach, but carbs aren't cheap. A rebuild kit is $10, a new carb could be $75+ Nor are they really complicated, especially if you can find the rebuilding steps and photo online in a service manual or video. Essentially it's just taking it all apart, including removine any welch plugs, cleaning it out thoroughly using carb cleaner and some compressed air, then putting it back together. The rebuild kit has all the parts that need to be replaced, ie needle valves, gaskets, plugs.

faulty fuel solenoid. instead of replacing it ($60) I cut off the little plunger and installed a shut off valve...problem solved

CJ

Wonder why the manufacturer didn't do that as well to save on $$$.