Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): not getting fuel from carb to engine, ultrasonic tanks, autozone

Question
I have a tecumseh 16.5 engine on my lawn mower. the model # is ohv 165.  It will run ffor a few seconds if I put fuel directly into the carb.  I have cleaned the fuel line and the fuel bowl.  I sprayed the rest of the carb with caburator cleaner but still acts the same.  There is not much to this carb what else should i do to get the fuel to the engine

Answer
Jeff, the big million dollar question , is the carb getting a fuel supply from the filter, or the tank? If the carb is getting a good fuel supply then your in need of a good carb rebuild, and thats much more than just spraying some carb cleaner. There are different fuel circuits that can become blocked, gummed, and clogged. These internal circuits need to be cleaner correctly. I get so many people asking after they rebuild carbs why they still have a starting problem fuel related. It's simple, a rebuild is much more than a little spray, and replacing the parts in the box. It requires a comprehensive knowledge sometimes of carb basics to identify the different circuits and know how to clean them with out damaging the carb. Thats why shops like mine have spent a lot of money on special cleaning tanks just for carbs, like ultrasonic tanks, these clean the small very tiny hair like circuits with sound waves. And don't damage the ports like many people do with metal wires. Without doubt you still have a main jet or port still clogged. You can buy at any Autozone store a carb cleaner in a gallon pal, it comes with a basket for holding the parts, place it in there for a good 5-8 hours. Then wash it off, and spray some more carb cleaner followed by compressed air, then replace the parts with a rebuild kit for your model. .......Tom