I have a Murray lawn mower that is giving me problems. It has a 3.8hp
tecumseh engine. I have changed the oil and the fuel, but the darn thing
won't run for more than a few seconds. It starts up, seems to be running
OK, then it just stops. There is some black oily stuff coming out of what
looks like a muffler, but I'm not sure what it is, just guessing it's a
muffler. It is unpainted metal and has some vent holes on it. There is
also a hand with a line through it. I assume this means not to touch it.
Does this black oily stuff have anything to do with why the mower won't keep
running? If not, what is preventing this thing from running correctly?

Can anyone please help me? Any advice/help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Brigitte