What is wrong with my craftsman lawn mower?

Question

I bought a self-propelled craftsman lawn mower in May of this year. It starts just fine, but after pushing it for about 5 feet, the engine slows and dies. I have replaced the air filter, checked the oil and it's got gas. The grass isn't extremely long, I bumped up the wheels to the highest setting, and tried mowing smaller rows, but every 5 feet it chokes up and dies without fail! Any ideas what's wrong with it?

Answer 1

This sounds like the clutch needs attention, some ajustment.  

Answer 2

If gas cap does not do the job. Remove the sediment bowl below the carburetor . clean o*****e in the bolt that you have to remove to remove the bowl. (Make sure to clean the vertical as well as the horizontal o*****e. Make sure the float drops down and goes back up freely with gentle nudge. Reinstall bowl making sure the gasket is in correct place.

Answer 3

Check the gas cap. It must have a small hole or 4 in it and the gasket must be free to allow air in to the tank.  To verify this is the problem, start the mower and do not move it , just let it sit running. If it then dies, loosen the gas cap and try to start. Very common problem and an easy solution.