Problems with my Briggs-Straton, Murray Lawnmower?

My lawnmower shuts off when I let the handle go in the down position. I have to hold it all the way up or it starts sputtering and then turns off. It's a Murray/Briggs-Straton 3.5 hp, 20". I just bought a new blade, air filter and spark plug... what could possible be the problem?
Alisha, April 2005


done
have murry 14 twin2 only runs with choke pulled out i replaced diphram cleaned carb

dennis, April 2013
I HAVE A MURRAY RIDING LAWN MOWER AND I CANT GET IT TO START I HAVE CHECKED THE STARTER AND ITS GOOD. I HEAR A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE MOWER, BUT IT WILL NOT START SO WHAT IS MY PROBLEM?

NORRIS ROLAX, April 2008
THERE IS A THROTTLE IN FRONT OF THE BOX IN THE FRONT. i HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MINE. YOU WILL NEED TO PUST THE THROTTLE ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO GET TO RUN STEADY.

KEVIN, April 2006
Alisha, I think the handle you are talking about is a safety feature which must be held in place while mower. This prevents walking away from the mower and leaving it running. This is a common feature on all current mowers.

George, April 2006
link Click here to see other fixes for Murray.