Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 8 hp Tecumseh, murray riding mower, starter fluid

Question
I have Murray riding mower with an 8 hp Tecumseh electric start motor.
It has not been run for a couple of years.
I decided to get it going last weekend.
I have started old car engines that have sat for years so I kind of know what I'm doing.

The motor turns easily and sometimes it will fire when I shoot starter fluid in it, but it only hits like once and won't run at all. I cleaned the carb, and the float and needle appear to be working okay.
The valves are moving and everything is freed and clean inside.

I don't remember these engines being so hard to start(25 years ago I had a mini-bike with a 5 hp Tecumseh)

My question is basically how hard is it to get a little engine like this to run? I have clean gas and am getting what looks like a pretty good spark at the electrode. Do I need to do better than just getting a "pretty good" spark, and wouldn't I be able to get the engine to fire even if I do need to tune the carb?  

Answer
Hi Lane,

If you have spark I think we can eliminate that as a problem, for now.  
Since you can keep it running by adding fuel, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside.   
You will need to remove the carb, disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire.  Missing just one opening will cause fuel flow problems.  Adding a carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.  

Check compression also.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael