Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): riding lawn mower, volt meter, screw driver

Question
2002 Craftman 536.270270 (made by Murry) w/13.5 B&S 28R707-114 engine. I have 2 problems. 1) Gas leaking into oil and out of the exhaust. I bought and installed a carb overhaul kit, except the inlet seal. Filled w/32oz oil, which what is called for, however the dipstick shows at least 8oz low? 2) After charging bat. & checking w/volt meter the starter will not turnover. I tested starter w/meter by black to ground red to starter terminal. Turned key & no volts to starter. Checked for corrosion and bad wiring both okay. Next checked solenoid. Removed orange wire from spade terminal and shorted w/screw driver across top two lugs. The starter made a faint sound breifly.  What now? Do I need a starter motor, solenoid, or do you think a safety switch? Any help would be great. Thanks.

Answer
Most likely the leaky  carb is due to a bad inlet needle and seat.  If the gas got into the oil then there may be fluid in the cylinder causing to cylinder to lock and preventing the starter from turning the engine.

Remove the spark plug and try cranking the engine.
Let me know if the engine turns over.
Eric