Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 6.5 HP lawnmower, starter cord, needle valve

Question
Hello,

Lawnmower won't start.

1) Checked for spark and it looks good

2) It seems to me that I'm getting too much gas. When I changed the plug and again when I tested for spark, the spark plug was wet with gas.

Do I need a carb kit or is it possible I have a stuck float or needle valve? Can I fix this without the kit or should I wait and order the carb kit?

Thanks,
Robin

Answer
Hi robin
Do this first.  Dump out all the gas.  Remove the spark plug.  Pull the starter cord until all the excess is cleared out.  Put the plug back in and squirt a small amount of gas into the carburator throat.  If it starts, get a carb kit and rebuild the carb.  If it dosen't, you've probably got a sheared or damaged flywheel key, and that will be a different topic!
Let me know how the test goes!