Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 917.388900 lawnmower repair, craftsman 917, air leak

Question
Can't start Craftsman 6.5 HP 917.388900. Worked great last time started. Took off Carb cleaned with Carb cleaner put back together wouldn’t start. Getting spark. Sprayed carb cleaner into carburetor or directly into engine and it started for a few seconds. Though it was a priming problem but priming with carb cleaner makes it start but evidently isn’t pulling gas afterwards. Gas is getting to carb and to bottom of float housing. I cleaned out carburetor with carb cleaner and used electric air pump with 20pounds of pressure but no start. Could it be severe lacquer problem inside of carb if so what to do. Primer device doesn’t appear to have any holes or leaks.

Answer
Drayton
You need to see what the compression is do a compression test on it.if the compression is low you may a gasket or a crack in the head or piston sleeves. Some where along the system gas is not getting into the carb,or there is a air leak.Sometimes the carb gets gummed up you can use a real fine wire to clean out the fuel ports especially the high idle port.