Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsmen 6.6hp Eager-1 Wont Start, eager 1, float bowl

Question
I have a craftsmen 6.6hp eager-1 self propelled push mower model 917.377320 it set for about a year in the rain at times, there was gas in it. First thing it wouldnt start, drained and replaced all fluids, replaced the spark plug, still no luck, sprayed some starting fluid in the intake it would crank then die as soon as it was burned out. The primer bulb doesnt seem to be pulling gas to it, but the carb bowl is full of gas. Took the carb off and cleaned it, everything seemed to be clear after I was done. Put it back on, still wouldn't fire up. Sprayed more starting fluid in and it would do the same thing, so it is getting a spark to it, if you continue to feed it fuel it will run. Read somewhere to tip it all the way foward and then back and try to crank it did that and tried to crank again then died. Let it sit there for a few minutes and tried it again this time with no starting fluid or fuel going to the intake, and it tried to crank but only for a second or two. The mower ran fine before it sit, where do I go from here?  

Answer
Hi Josh,

There is still a fuel flow problem somewhere.  Check the carb's float and set it parallel to the float bowl gasket.  Re-clean the carb again, probing each hole with a fine wire.  Check for a good flow from the fuel tank.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael