Briggs 16 Horz. vangaurd

[ranger351w]

Hi:

I have a 16 hp. horz. briggs vanguard on a 97 Grasshopper. It started and ran great when I moved it in the shop. When I tried to start it to mow a customers yard it would not start. I could see nothing wrong so tried it again and it sounded like the exh. valve was open and burning the fuel in the muffler. After a lot of cranking it started and ran great for about 30 seconds then just like you shut it off. I got the same results 2 more times and quit trying.:confused: ANYONE?
Thanks
Mike A.S.D.S. Mowing

[khouse]

it sounds like it just running on the fuel that is in the carb bowl. you may have a plugged fuel filter and or needle seat issue. both cheap to check it out.