Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 15/20 year old craftsmen mower wont stay running, internal passages, fly wheel

Question
i was given the mower to me form a friend, hasn't run in two yrs. i cleaned the carb. put in a new flote, a new rubber seat where the pin goes, new plug, new gas and oil, cleaned the fly wheel. after doing all that the only way to keep it running is to spray starter fiuld into the carb. please help thanks.

Answer
If it will only run with starter fluid, there is still a blockage inside the carb.  You need to make sure you use a piece of tag wire and push it through all of the internal passages.  Then follow up with aerosol carb cleaner.  Some of these passages are hard to find, so be thorough as you look for them.  Another issue could be a plugged vent in the fuel cap.  Loosen the cap slightly and see if this corrects the problem.  If so, clean or replace the cap.  Hope this helps.