Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs Straton 6.0 Craftsman sputters, briggs straton, starter fluid

Question
I haven't mowed in a couple of weeks and I let my mower sit under my deck. Upon trying to start today, I got a few sputters and then it quits, never fully starts. My cord broke in the effort to start, so I replaced it, and came back...this time got a few more sputters than before, but quit again. I removed the spark plug and it looked pretty black and oily, so I cleaned and sanded between the gap and put back on. This time I got continual sputters for about a minute, but it quit again. I won't let it sit out again! Any ideas. Thank you, Rory

Answer
 Hello Rory:

 It could be Water in the Carburator. Can you Run the Engine for 25 to 30 Seconds with Starter Fluid? If you can, then the Carburator has gotten Water/Trash into it. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John