Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): CRAFTMAN 15HP RIDE ON LAWN MOWER, briggs stratton, fuel flow

Question
MICHEAL, I JUST BOUGHT A 2001 CRAFTSMAN 15HP LAWN TRACTOR.IT SAT FOR A WHILE, IT IS USED! I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY, THE SOLENOID, AND SPARK PLUG. IT CRANKS BUT IT WON'T TURN OVER!! I HAVE CHANGED THE GAS IN IT AND TRIED STARTING FLUID. IT HAS A BRIGGS & STRATTON! I HOPE THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO GIVE ME AN IDEA OF WHAT ELSE TO DO. PLEASE HELP!!!!! I THANK YOU FOR ANY IDEA'S YOU MIGHT HAVE.

SINCERELY,
GENE MCKIM

Answer
Hi Gene,

You will need to determine if the problem is a lack of spark or a lack of fuel flow.  Remove the spark plug, reconnect the wire and lay the plug against the engine head.  Pull the engine over and watch for spark at the plug's electrode.

If good, then try to start it while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake.  If it starts and you can keep it running by adding fuel, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside.
First, check the gas cap to make sure it is venting and not causing a vacuum in the tank.  If that's okay, 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.   A carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.  

If you have spark and fuel, there might be a lack of compression.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael