Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD 185 not starting, air fuel, fuel pump

Question
I have a JD 185 that won't start. It turns over great, has spark at the plug, getting fuel and air. I tried putting a small amount of gas down the carb, but no effect. The fuel pump is pumping, but in spurts (don't know if that is normal or not). I pulled the bowl off the carb and it has fuel there. The float moves up and down. Any ideas?

Answer
Have you tried a new plug. It takes 4 things for an engine to run, spark, air, fuel and compression. What are you missing? Try the new plug first, not a Champion, use an NGK BPR5ES. Don't prime the carb with fuel, use carb cleaner instead. About a 3 second burst. Yes the fuel pump pumps in spurts this normal. Just because the plug sparks in the outside world doesn't mean it will spark under compression. Clean the carb and get rid of last years fuel in the tank.See what happens. My guess is that it will run great.