Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman LT1000 Riding Mower, craftsman lt1000 riding mower, carburetor body

Question
Please help.  I have a Craftsman LT1000 Riding Mower that I purchased new in 2004.  It has a Briggs & Stratton 20hp twin cylinder motor.  Only used it a couple times, and it worked great.  It then sat for a couple years without running.  Now that I'm trying to get it going again, it absolutely refuses to stay running without the choke.  I've tried everything I can think of.  I've tested and replaced the spark plugs.  Put new gas into it.  Replaced the fuel filter.  The fuel solenoid works fine.  Took the carburetor apart and cleaned every nook and crannie of it.  I switched out the fuel pump with another mower's fuel pump that was exactly the same.  Still have the same problem.  What else can I do?

Answer
Hello Matt:

I Know you have Cleaned the Carburetor, but if it was Not Soaked Overnight; then it is Not Really Clean.  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, Float Pin, 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. The Internal Passages are Restricted and Soaking is the Only Way to Get them Clean. 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. 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