Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Ford YT-16 Repair, susquehanna river, battery engine

Question
I started to repair a Ford YT-16 garden Tractor that got submerged in the Susquehanna river for a couple of days. Cleaned out the engine and fuel compartment, replaced the fuel line and fuel filter cleaned out the carburetor, changed spark plugs and replaced battery.  Engine turns over but will not start. pour gas into carburetor, engine will fire but stop when gas I poured in runs out. what should I do next.

Answer
Hi Carl,
Are you sure that the carb is completely cleaned out? It sounds like you aren't getting fuel from the carb, because it only fires when you prime it. On the carb, remove the bowl and make sure the float moves freely. Also, take a small length of very thin wire, and on the side of the screw that holds the bowl onto the carb, you will fond a small hole, possibly two. Stick the wire through the hole to clean it out and get the gonk out. If you can't get the wire all the way through, it is possible the hole is rusted. The fuel from the bowl goes through this hole, and fuels the engine. If this hole is plugged and you can't clear it, replace it; they aren't hard to find, just take your carb into a mower repair shop and they will find the right one. If it comes to this, make sure you have the engine's model number, type and code, or any of it's identification numbers handy to tell the repairman. Also, make sure that the carb isn't rusty, either, and that your throttle isn't stuck. Also make sure that your fuel line isn't clogged. Hope I helped! Good luck with that garden tractor; they're rare!
-Steve