Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Wont stay running, float bowl, float chamber

Question
QUESTION: I also have a craftsmen lawnmower, Model # 917.378461, the fuel tank is full, I don't know where the fuel shut valve is or if it even has one.  It appears the the fuel cap vent is properly working and it still does't run at all.  How do you check the carburetor choke and I'm not sure about the governor spring adjustment.

I really need your help, my grass is really long.

Cheers

ANSWER: Joseph
Do you have a small bulb primer you have to push when you first start the engine>If you do There is no choke Also there is no fuel shut off on this mower. The problem is that the float in the carb bowl may be stuck,or not adjusted correctly. You could remove the float bowl (you will have the clamp the fuel line to avoid the fuel from leaking out.There is a small nut on the bottom of the bowl, if you take that off that is the float chamber see if the float is stuck or broken

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This unit does have a primer bowl and I have pumped that sucker like crazy and I don't smell any fuel going in. Now the question how do you adjust that float.

Thank You very much for your help.

Answer
Joe
If you are pushing the primer bulb and you don't think the float bowl is getting any gas they the bulb may be bad. I would first open the float bowl first. to see if there is any fuel in it, if there is then the float is the problem. All the primer does is squirt a little gas into the throat of the carburetor. To adjust the float if it is plastic you can't if it is metal you can real carefully bend the tab to make sure it level in the float bowl. The plastic ones cant adjust. Try if it is plastic to remove it and then pull out the needle valve to see if there is any dirt.Trycleaning out the passage way,you should remove the carburetor to do all this.

BTW I sell repair manuals for how to do it yourself on my web site pretty reasonable.  www.gbelect.net

Thanks