I usually run things dry for storage. Many carbs have a drain screw on the bowl, or I'll just pop the bowl off. It seems to be the only way to be 100% confident fuel won't ruin things.If anyone cares, the problem was a clogged jet. My neighbor likes to work on small engines and took apart the carb and found the jet was clogged. It’s back to starting on the first pull.
I usually run things dry for storage. Many carbs have a drain screw on the bowl, or I'll just pop the bowl off. It seems to be the only way to be 100% confident fuel won't ruin things.
The filter is a good idea but most likely the clogged jets are from gunked up old fuel caused by ethanol gas.I would add one of these 75 micron inline fuel filters before the carburetor. I experienced the clogged jets on these B&S carbs and with the fuel filter, never experienced it again! Good maintenance can make these inexpensive mowers last a long time!