Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Gold 6.0 lawn mower wont start, briggs stratton, internal passages

Question
Hi, before winter I ran the gas out of the Craftsman Gold 6.0 Briggs & Stratton lawn mower, I also drained and replaced the oil.  Today, I bought new gas and tried to start it.  It would not start.  This evening I replaced the spark plug.  It still won't start.  I took the new plug out of the block and see that it is sparking.  I smell gas on the end of the new plug, but I don't see that the plug is "moist" with gas fluid (should it be?). There seems to be no binding with the shut off cable... when I pull the lever to start, I see the cable is moving the lever. I really appreciate your willingness to help.

Answer
Try putting a squirt of fuel in the carburetor before you try to start it.  If it tries to start, you have a fuel problem.  When you have the air filter cover off, make sure the throttle lever is actuating the choke and making it close properly (adjust if necessary).  If the choke is operating fine and it still won't start, you will need to clean the carb thoroughly, including pushing a piece of tag wire through all of the internal passages.  Make sure the fuel tap (if equipped) is turned on as well....a simple thing that is often overlooked.  If none of these suggestions work, write back with more detail on what you found and what happened.  Hope this helps.