Cub Cadet 1541 running problem

I hope this does not get too long but I am having trouble keeping my 1541 with a M 18 Kohler running. I bought it for parts four years ago and it ran too well then to part out. Tractor is missing most of the hood. The first 1541 had a snow blower and it ended up on the second one. I had the snow blower fail during the selling of our house with a big driveway and it just sat but would get used every so often. We had to move because of my job ended and didn't really need one this large but it is here and the first one got requested to stay with the former house.I have been using all summer with no problems so one day I decided to change the oil because I finally had time. Put oil in and changed the filter, made sure I had the right amount in it. I ran it and it would baulk and die periodically, If I caught it fast enough it would stay running. Now I can get it to run cold under no load but if I kick the mower in it might go 50 feet or 5 to ten minutes before quitting. It had good spark on both plugs but wide gaps which I changed.Changed air filter,fuel filter and checked the carb setting yesterday. It still will not run very long and had to leave it out because I couldn't get into the shed.I have the harness unplugged to the kill switch right now to check the wiring(wiring was a mess when I bought it)If I let it sit it will start but if i try to restart right away after quitting it puffs white smoke out the exhaust. P.S. when I was checking for spark with the plug out it had a little flash of fire from the cylinder hole of the plug. I am at a loss where to go next in getting this to run. Does any body think it is the oil? The old oil seemed really thin.
 
I had a similar problem with a John Deere once. Rebuilt the carburator and it ran fine. You might try starting fluid when it dies to see if it starts. To me it sounds like a fuel problem.
 
Very well could be a stuck float, bad filter, or a plugged port in the carb. If it starts on starting fluid when it won't start normally that points toward a restricted fuel flow. Possibly someone else will chime in here. I am no expert, just sharing my experience. You might go to gttalk.com and ask there. Those guys have a wealth of knowledge and love to share it.
 
Don't know much about this, but I'd be leery of the starting fluid idea. Have seen pictures of exploded top piston rings.
 
If it's been sitting with fuel in it. The carburetor needs the jets cleaned out.

Remove the air cleaner and when it starts to die lightly spray ether in it and it should keep running.
 
Thanks for the replies! I think that I will rebuild the carb when I get time just to be on the safe side, I have used the carb cleaner on cars before to check for fuel problems but the carb kit is cheap so I'll go that route next week.
Thanks again.
 
When you get it all sorted out and fixed, do yourself a favor and install a $5 fuel shutoff valve. Nearly fried my M18 because of a stuck float and the crankcase had filled up with gas.
 
Also, if it lacks power but the carb checks out look at the valve lash. Not enough valve lash will cause a funny running engine with zilch for power.
 
Well it looks like I need to find another carb:-( I was trying to straighten out the brass tube in the center of the bowl and it broke off. It looks like someone mashed it earlier, I am surprised it ran altogether, that is unless it doesn't need to be long enough to reach the fuel. Will look for a used one first as the new ones I am finding are making me wonder if I should fix it or get a smaller lawn mower.
 

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