Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Push-type lawnmower, Sears Craftsman Eager-1 5.0 HP, craftsman eager 1, sears craftsman

Question
Previous question:
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Model number: 917.382840
Motor model number: 143.955018 (if it is made by Tecumseh, it doesn't indicate it on the nameplate - although the float bowl is stamped "Tecumseh".)
Year purchased: 1995

This mower has sat unused for several years. I have done the following:
* Replaced the spark plug
* Replaced the air filter
* Replaced the priming bulb (old one was half melted)
* Taken apart the carburetor and soaked it overnight in Gunk, ran a narrow wire through all the holes that I could find
* Added gas and oil (little to none in it originally) but I DID not empty the existing gas and oil first.
* Replaced the control bar cable (rusted in half somewhere inside the plastic sheath)

The spark plug IS creating a spark.

When I pull the starter cord, the starter turns but the engine does not start. Not even a hiccup.

I have NEVER worked on a lawnmower (or any type of engine) before so please be gentle!

Any suggestions on my next step?
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Answer from "Fish":
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Definitely get rid of all of the old fuel, the nut that holds the bowl on is the main jet, so make sure all of the holes in it are clear and open, and when all back together, it should at least
try to start with a bit of priming, or at least a squirt in the
carb opening.  If it starts then dies, then you know it is still clogged up in the carb, if you can't get it to at least start then die
then you have other problems, like a stuck valve.
 Try these things and let me know what you find.
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Followup question:
I primed with some gasoline and got it to start.

So I disassembled the carburetor again, and again soaked it overnight in Gunk.

Then I replaced the following:

*Inlet needle, seat, and clip
*Float bowl o-ring
*Gas line (along with a valve which, in hindsight, was brilliant...)

I emptied the gas tank (as best I could - there was still some on the bottom) and put in new gas.

I was able to start the engine, but immediately after starting, gas started pouring out of the hole in the priming bulb.

I guess I've managed to put something together incorrectly, but what? I took off the float bowl and looked at the float - it looked right to me, but I don't know what to look for.

Help!

Answer
Engine repair manual:

http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf

Did you replace the float?  I have had some of the brass floats completely fill will fluid...could not hear fluid sloshing inside when shaking float but when compared to a new float the weight difference was immediately noticable.

Inlet seat replaced with the groove down?

Eric