Troy-Bilt Garden - Page 5 - Recent Questions, Troubleshooting & Support

You need to pull the spark plug and verify it has spark, my guess is that it has no ignition spark due to a failed igniter unit or pickup coil.

sounds like a fuel problem. check to be sure the air filter is clean. if it is you may need to take the bowl off the carburetor and clean it. or maybe even take the car off and clean really good. over time dirt or debris even water will plug up the jets inside and cause it to do what you are saying.

brad, if it runs for a bit and dies it has to be a fuel problem. i would take the carburetor off and clean it real good with carburetor cleaner. go ahead and put a rebuild kit in it. they are fairly cheap. check the fuel lines that they are not dry and cracked. blow out the fuel filter or replace. blow out the fuel tank make sure it is flowing correctly. some have screens in the bottom that plug up. the 2 wire thing on the bottom of the bowl is a fuel shut off valve. if the key is turned off it will push up on the needle stopping the flow of fuel. a anti back fire valve. gently pull up on the black piece you will see sticking up in the bowl. if it comes off easily it will need replaced or cut off. it may be coming off while running causing it to run out of fuel and die. after it sets for a second it looses its suction and falls back in position letting fuel back in the carburetor so it will run for a few more minutes . dont pry it or pull it off just be sure it is not loose.