Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 6.5hp briggs Lawn mower motor, torch tip, starter fluid

Question
The used mower which i just purchased today is having trouble starting. I removed the dirty air filter.  Then changed the plug, added motor oil and with starter fluid was able to get it to run for a couple of seconds. However I think i over filled the oil and when started the exhaust was white and oil was spirting out of the exhaust?  Not sure if this means serious problems.  After draining the oil and refilling with the proper amount I was able to get several more short runnings of the engine the oil seemed to stop coming out of the exhaust however I still could not get the engine to run for more than a couple seconds.  Seemed to just burn off the starting fluid and then quit.  So I figured maybe it is not getting fuel or needs a carburetor cleaning.  After removing the carburetor spraying it with carb cleaner and putting all back together it still will not run even with starter fluid.  I would appreciate any suggestions or advice you may have.

Answer
Hi Tayler,
I don't think you have a serious problem. Is your fuel fresh? By fresh I mean not over 60 days old. First thing I would check is the brass bolt that holds the carb bowl on. It should have a tiny hole in the center. That's the main jet that meters the fuel to the engine. It's very sensitive to dirt and/or varnish. Spray carb cleaner won't take it out. Use a small torch tip cleaner or stiff wire to clean out the hole or soak it in the type of cleaner that comes in a gallon can like paint. Be careful not to enlarge it. If it has a lot of varnish,it may be better to replace it. Does it have a primer in the air filter base? If so,when you replace it, visually check that it's priming. Very often we have to double that gasket before it will prime. I hope this helps.

Keith