Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawnmower dies when blades are ingaged, proper fuel, carburator

Question
My mower cranks fine then after i take off i turn on the blades and it mows for a few seconds then will start to die then i can turn blades off and it will run. My gas cap had a metal piece in the middle of it but it came off. Could i have gotten water in my tank or what? Thanks

Answer
 Hello Linda:

 From your Description, I Suggest the Carburator be Cleaned and Rebuilt. The Carburator has Picked Up Trash/Water and the Main Jet is Not Getting the Proper Fuel Flow to Run the Engine when the Engine is Under a Load. If the Gas Tank is Exposed to the Weather, then Replace the Cap, If it is Under the Mower Hood or Seat then, the Cap does Not have to be Replaced as long as there is No Danger of Gas Coming Out of the Vent in the Cap. I Suggest Replacing the Cap for Safety Reasons. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John