Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): I left some gas in the small..., piece tank, float bowl

Question
I left some gas in the small push sears lawn mower over the winter and it will not start.  realizing that the gas probably turned to some form of lacquer during the winter, what can I do to repair this?  do I have to tear apart the carb and what is involved in that?

Answer
If you have a float style carb you can usually drain the fuel tank then remove the float bowl nut on the bottom of the carb and drain the carb.  Make sure the holes in the float bowl nut are clean.

If you have a one piece tank/carb you still need to drain the tank.  You may be able to refill the tank, remove the air filter and then start the engine using starting fluid.  Keep the engine running by sparying starting fluid in the carb throat.  After a few minutes the running engine may flush the out the old fuel.

Let me know what happens.
Eric