Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawnmower wont start, adjustment screws, carburetor body

Question
Hello!  I have a Sears ez-walk Mower with a Honda 6.5 hp engine.  The serial # is 917.377842.  For a while I could only get it to start by putting "starting fluid" in the carb.  Now it won't start at all.  It has spark and compression.  I took apart the carb and cleaned it with carb cleaner.  It's getting fuel.  What should I try next?  Thank you very much!

Answer
Hello David:

What Happens when you Spray Starter Fluid Into the Carburetor Throat and try to Start the Engine? If it Starts and Quits and the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor Inlet Port, 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. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. If the Carburetor is Clean, there is Compression and the Plug is Firing, then Check the Flywheel Key. If the Key is Good, then the Timing Belt Inside the Engine has Jumped Time. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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