Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): kohler wont start 12.5 ohv john deere yellow deck, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
what a pain in the neck this has been! lol been working on this lawn mower that my next door neighbor gave me, the first time i burnt out the starter and had to get a new solenoid for the starter, then i took the starter all apart and cleaned it up and put it back on , I cleaned out the bowl on the float and got a new electrical solenoid for the carb, I still can not start the thing I don't get it .I have spark I cleaned the magneto and sanded it a little it was really rusty. I took the spark plug out and checked it for a spark I have good spark but the darn thing still will not start, I can get it to back fire but no start.The only way it will back fire is if I put a little gas in the carb, I have already checked the gas filter and the gas runs out good so this is not a problem, I am concerned about the safety switches though, my husband seems to think that the carb is bad but doesn't it take alot for the carb to go bad, please help grass up to my a--. I had it running for a little while the other day but know nothing.    This lawn mower has been sitting for a long time not sure how long but it's 19 years old.

Answer
Hello Cindy:

Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. If you DID have the Engine Running for a Short Period of Time, then I Suggest you **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.** Once the Carburetor is Clean and if the Engine Still Backfires, Check the Flywheel Key. Since you had this Engine Running, Im Leaning towards a Dirty Carburetor. Here is the Instructions for Checking the Safety Switches in Case you Require it. Remember that the Safety Switches Ground the Plug and Prevent it from Firing. You have Fire, so  Do Not think a Switch is the Cause of this Problem. **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). Check the Clutch/Break and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades.** The Valve Clearance May be a Cause for this Problem also. 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 and Spec Numbers. 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