I spent all weekend trying to fix why the lawnmower would sometimes not start/stay started. It needed maintenance anyway so I changed the spark plug, changed the oil and even rebuilt all the o-rings on the carberator (it leaked). It still wont start/stay started.
But I found the issue: the safety stop cable (attached to safety handle) has some play on it. If I give the exposed cable a pull while pulling on the pull cord it will always start. And when it starts to die if I tug on the exposed metal of the safety stop cable it will not stop.
I'm just not sure how to adjust it. The mower is a Troy-Bilt 675 ez start mower with a 190cc Briggs and stratton engine. this is someone elses image that looks 99% identical to mine