Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman wont start, carburetor body, craftsman model

Question
Good Afternoon John,  I have a major headache...My father recently gathered (at yardsale) a Craftsman, model#: 917.388510 (serial # 06020301 091505). However, over the past week "MR. Do-it-myself" seems incapale of fixing this lawn mower, It will not start.  Father stays up all night, "hemming and Hawing" over this incapability.  I said "junk it", he's says it was a "good deal" thus the reason why I am trying to "internet savvy trouble shoot".  regretfully, I have no other info than-It just won't start, it is Electric (don't even know the year)and it is a intolerant judement of manhood to my dad.....That's it.  
Any guidence would be a greatly appreciated,
Kindly,
Meridith

Answer
Hello Meridith:

No Worries. It May take a Few E-Mails, but I am Sure we can Get it Running if the Engine is Not Wasted. Let's Do Some Simple Diagnostics. Is the Starter Turning the Engine? If Yes, then is the Plug Firing? If Yes, then is the Gas Free Flowing to the Carburetor? If Yes, then Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat and Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then  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 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. If the Plug is Not Firing, then Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires. If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire  at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. On Some Model JD Engines, there is a Igniter that Goes Bad and Not the Coil. The Igniter is the Same as an Ignition Module. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Safety Switch. The Blade Safety is Usually the Cause of this. The Starter Turns and The Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module or a Faulty Blade Safety Switch. The Clutch Safety Prevents the Starter from Engaging so the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine. The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John