Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine trouble, brass nut, allen wrench

Question
I have a briggs & strat 16.5 HP mower; runs only with the choke on. Got to the point recently where it won't even do that. I cleaned the carburetor, changed plugs, put in new fuel pump kit, new air filter -- no change. What's left?

Answer
Getting the fuel pump kit put in correctly is hard to do, so we will
check that first.  I am guessing on precisely which engine you have,
so if my advice is not correct, please find the engine's model numbers.
  On the bottom side of the carb should be a brass nut, take a 5/8
wrench and remove it, look for fuel to dribble out.

Next, crank the engine and watch that spot, if the fuel was pumping correctly, fuel would be dribbling out.  If fuel is dribbling out, then
the main jet is likely plugged.  Inside this hole is the main jet,
you must have an allen wrench to remove it, I believe it is 3/16.
Take it out and clean it, and reinstall everything and try to start.

Try this out and see if it helps, and let me know.