Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawnmower wont start/stay running, briggs stratton engine, carburetor body

Question
Model # 31P777
Type: 0296E1
CODE: 031124ZD

I have a Craftsman 18.5hp OHV Briggs & Stratton Engine lawnmower and I cannot get the engine started.  It is electric start.  Spark plug fires, even did the old teaspon of gas in the spark plug hole......engine fired long enough to burn that off.....checked gas....put a teaspon down in the carb neck from the breather...fired up again but won't pull gas from the carb to the head apparently.  I think the trouble has to be at the carb.  Was going to take the bowl off but couldn't find a wrench with thin enough jaws to fit between the bowl and some electronic apparatus on the bottom.

I even used a little free air to push through the inlet fuel hose through the carb......I knwo the fuel pump works because I took off the line coming from the carb and tried to start and for those couple of seconds gas was shooting from the line.

Please advise as to what you think the problem is/solution.

thx,
Will

Answer
Hello Will:

**Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 31P777-0296. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 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