Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman lawnmower will not start., air fuel mixture, motorcycle mechanic

Question
hi

i have 21" Craftsman DLM (powered by Honda) 5.5 hp lawnmower. this thing will not start. i have cleaned the carb and the jets twice. i dont know if the problem has something to do with the safety switches on here. the lawnmower only starts when i spray some carb spray in the carb and then dies out after a couple of seconds. seems like a fuel problem right? i am a motorcycle mechanic and whenever i do this procedure on a bike, it tells me the carb needs to be cleaned. the lawnmower was sitting for about 4 months. i also put fresh gas in the fuel tank and replaced the spark plug.  

model # 917.388810
serial# 031803M 011458


thanks, Troy

Answer
 Hello Troy:

 You are on the Right Track. Is the Carburator Air/Fuel Mixture Screws Set (2 turns out)? The Carburator May Require Soaking Overnite in a Vat of Carburator Cleaner. The Carburator is the Problem, but these Carburators can be a Pain to get Clean. Soak the Carburator and Overhaul it.  Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John