Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray 17hp Lawn Tractor - Tecumseh Engine, clean as a whistle, carburator

Question
Hi,
I have a Murray 17hp that would not turn over, I have replaced the fuel filter, fuel lines, solenoid, and spark plug. It would not turn over so everyone said clean the carburator. I took it apart it is a non adjustable one. It looked clean as a whistle so I did not clean it. Put it back on and the mower started up for 5 - 10 seconds then died. It will not start. It looks like there is quite a bit of fuel being spit out of the exhaust. Can you help me?

Answer
The first thing I would do thing I would do would be to clean the fuel system.  Be sure to clean the fuel cap vent. The next thing to check would be the fuel pump.  I believe the engine has a diaphragm style fuel pump that received is a pulse from the crankcase.  If you have raw fuel dripping from the muffler the fuel has to be overflowing in the carburetor.  That would mean that the inlet needle is not seating be sure the float floats.  I hope this helps.