Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Troy bilt mower, rubber hoses, troy bilt

Question
Hello, I have a 4 year old Troy bilt riding mower that I recently used to cut me and my mothers lawn with. While cutting the second lawn I believe I struck something causing the motor to stall out. I was able initially to get it back running with the choke engaged, enough so that I could reload it onto my trailer. The next week when I went to check it out it will not start without dropping a little gas down into the air intake. I confirmed fuel passing through the rubber hoses and took the small carburetor looking thing off linkage and all to clean every port with carb cleaner. Still no change. I was not sure if there is a safety switch that has kicked in if the deck is off balance. Thanks

Answer
There are two things I would look at first if this unit came into my shop, firstly I would spray a little carb cleaner in the carb and see if it would start.  If it starts, I know immediately I have a fuel problem.

Do you have fuel in the tank?

Check the choke and make sure when you place the choke in the CHOKE position that the choke butterfly in the carb is actually closing all the way.

If its not fuel related. the next place I would go to is in the timing...

There is a remote possibility that you could have partially sheared a flywheel key, but if you did you would be getting some backfiring.. so if this is the case check the flywheel key.

get back to me and let me know what your find.