well i have sence figured out it's a fuel problem but it's a 2012 model it has no primer don't even have a fuel control or gas feed on the handle. i took plastic carb apart has a float and needle seat the only 2 parts that are removable. as long as you spray gas in carb it will run. and the float and needle seat are ok.Does it have a primer bulb? If it does my junky push mower will do the same. If you pull, it stutters and dies try to pump the bulb real quick and see if you can keep it running for a bit like that. Pump it pull it, when it starts quickly give it a pump if it's about to die. If it rumbles up and starts to die do it again. I run into it a few times a year on my junker carb kit is worth more than mower. If you can sustain it running off the primer you probably need a carb kit. Mine just acts like it won't prime up sometimes but after I help it start running and it warms up, it runs and mows fine.
DFB your dead on took carb apart blowed out inside cleaned the setement bowl and run's good now. i did learn that the screen in the tank has larger holes than the jet in carb has so this may happen quite often. the gas line is very short but there is room barley room to put filter but i did it so hopfully it won't happen often.More than likely a plugged up mainjet circuit
yeah they look so cheap no bolts holding carb on it just has oring and slides up on base, all plastic. the carb only has 2 parts that you can remove [ the float and seat valve].Glad you figured it out. 2012s are too new for me they havnt trickled down to me just yet. What's the world coming too... taking all the fun out of carbs