WHat is wrong with my riding mower? It starts fine then runs 2 minutes-backfires -and dies.?
Answers:
A riding mower doesn't use a diapragm type carb, it uses a float type...... this is a carb problem... if you don't feel up to it, find a willing person to do it, or a small engine shop, this requires a rebuild kit, new gaskets.... the carb torn apart, soaked for a few hours in a bath type carb cleaner... blown out with carb cleaner and or compressed air. and rebuilt.
Other answers:
Clean the carburetor.
Clean the carburetor.
gas/oil
You may have water in the gasoline. That's what our mower does the first time we run it after the winter.
either the gas or the engine is worn out. you can do it yourself or take it to a mechanic to get fixed.
change the oil
clean the filter
you need to take the carb of and clean it, then check to see if the diaphragm is good. if your not sure on what that is take it to a small engine repair shop. the diaphragm should be kinda flimsy not hard or cracked. and maybe the carb is just clogged.