Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower wont start, craftsman riding lawn mower, appropriate boxes

Question
I own a Craftsman riding lawn mower Model: 917252561. I has a B&S 19HP twin I/C Gold engine Model: 42A707, Type: 125101, Code: 9505165A. I bought the mower last summer and it ran fine. I failed to winterize the mower because I was not aware that I had to do that. (First time owner) This summer when I went to start it, it ran fine for the first time. It ran out of gas and left it alone. I refueled it and tried to start it again. The mower started but when I would engage the blades or try and put it in gear it would die out on me. I took apart the carburetor and cleaned it. I made sure that I put everything back together the way I took it apart. Now when I try to start the mower it will not start. It does not seem that it is pumping fuel to the carburetor. When I put fuel in it, it starts but because no fuel keeps getting to it, it dies out. Please help!! I guess I was in over my head. I thought it would be as easy as working on a car engine but I guess I was wrong. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hello Ron:

I Think the Problem is that the Mower Engine is Simpler than the Automotive Engine to Work on. LOL. From your Description it Sounds like a Seat Safety Switch was the Original Problem. 1- First Lets Check the Carburetor and Make Sure it is Assembled Correctly and get the Engine Running Again, then we can Correct the Stalling Problem. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (42A707) and Type Numbers (1251) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. Scroll to the Carburetor Section and Make Sure you Assembled the Carburetor and Fuel Pump Correctly. 2- The Following is the Instruction File for Checking the Seat Safety Switch. **Check the Seat Safety Switch. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). The Seat Safety is Showing No One is Seating in the Seat when the Clutch or Blades are Engaged.**  If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John