When it dies, do you have any spark to the plug? And, is there any fuel reaching the carburetor? What condition is the fuel line in? See if it might have a soft spot where the line might suck closed. Check the breather hole in the fuel cap. I had an old Wheel Horse that the line would suck closed, then reopen after sitting for ten minutes. Also, check for dirt in the fuel bowl, or water in it. In a few cases, the ignition coil/magneto fails from heat when running, but works again after it cools off. Thats why i say to check the spark immediately after it stops!

Did you use the correct filter? If you used a filter for an engine with a fuel pump and yours is gravity feed, that could at least "partially" explain the problem. Fuel simply doesn't flow fast enough. It shouldn't take till the next day to restart though. More like 1/2 hour? Unless you have a clogged vent AND the wrong filter. BTW, a "months old filter" could have become gummed up from gasoline deteriorating over the winter. This post was edited by bill_kapaun on Sun, Jul 28, 13 at 16:19

Sax , long time no hear Bro , Good to see you and Rday are still active participants ! I have been away from the forum for a little while (formerly aka Ewalk). Photo , great forums for debates and brainstorming with very capable people. Just a note of info since the op has not given any further info , I don't see indicated in his original post of Ethanol based Fuel . I have no doubt that this may be suspected just not really expressed . I have further briefed myself within this issue , apparently in the US E10 is apparently pretty well status quo with E15/20 & E80 added recently. Unfortunately most current Small Engine Manufacturers only approve E10 usage , along with proper fuel management and treatment . As previously stated I am fortunate here in the Great White North , Ethanol is still a lamb duck fuel , slowly gaining usage . Non Ethanol is still the Norm in smaller populated areas. Having worked for years on small engine units and various recreational equipment (snowmobiles & motorcycles)as a Hobby , I have a reasonable working knowledge. I welcome your and Sax,s perspectives , I originally sided with Rday and more recently with Sax , since I have ran numerous chainsaws with 70:1 even old Circa 60,s Pioneers also a 4HP 1989 Yamaha outboard rated for 100:1 with Amsoil Sabre Syn Oil . I have numerous American Friends who routinely drop of their E-fueled units for seasonal servicing with only carb issues from the dreaded E. To this date have not witnessed any E-fuel related engine failures . However I agree with you that Toro , Briggs and even Mercury Outboard today preach that E-10 use only with proper preventative measures (fuel treatment) further they will not warranty any E15 + fueled units which fail. Only Briggs approves Mtbe Usage also . Anyways , great talking with you Gents , perhaps the Op and Rdaystrom will drop back in and give us further perspective with this E-Fuel usage issue within Small Engines !

the surging engine is the clue that indicates the engine is running out of fuel. Does this have a mechanical fuel pump or is it equipped with a pulse pump? Fuel delivery to the carburetor is probably marginal. I believe this has a rear fuel tank and a long distance for fuel to be pumped. If the fuel line from the tank is old, clamp connections may allow air to be drawn in. There may also be some cracks in the rubber on the fuel line. In this situation, there may be some vapor locking when the engine warms up. The test of removing and lowering the fuel line indicates the fuel line is not blocked, but will not tell if fuel is being drawn. The other items mentioned by Tomplum apply and can contribute to fuel delivery. Also check the condition of the pulse line. Make sure the oil fill cap has an oil seal for strong pulse. On many of these, fuel is drawn from the top of the fuel tank - check the plastic tube to the bottom of the tank for cracks. Taking care and using a helper, remove the fuel line to the carburetor and route to a jar. Crank the engine to see how strong the fuel delivery is. If you can locate another fuel tank from an old snowblower, rig up a gravity feed tank to the carburetor and see what happens.