Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Problems with Craftsman 19.5 twin turbo b/s rider, craftsman riding lawn mower, adjustment screws

Question
John
I have a craftsman riding lawn mower model 917259572 with engine model 42E707 and I am having some issues.  Today I replaced the starter on the lawnmower because the starter was just smoking when i attempted to start it.  After replacing the starter I replaced the spark plugs, air filter, and fuel filter and I cant get it started.  I am pretty confident I have spark, I tested it by pulling a plug and holding it against the block and I see the blue spark.  The mower seems to be flooding out and filling with gas and not starting.  I have drained the gas out of the carb a few times and cleaned the carb with carb cleaner and yet it still seems to flood with gas.  I am not a small engine guy and I am not sure how much gas should be gathering in the carb to begin with.  I have also checked to make sure gas is blowing out when you crank the engine without the plugs installed.  I am not sure if this is enough information to get a potential "fix this" or "replace that" suggestion.

Here is the other information on the unit
Engine
Model 42E707
Type 2631.E1
Code 9708085A
Mower
Model 917259572

Thanks Eric  

Answer
Hello Eric:

What was the Cause for the Starter Burning Up and Smoking? Was the Engine Turning 3/4 Turn and then Stopping/Dragging for 1/4 Turn? Is the Engine Turning Properly when Trying to Start it? If Yes, Did you Use Spray Carburetor Cleaner to Clean the Carburetor? If Yes, then the carburetor May Still be Dirty and the Carburetor Float Needle Valve May Not be Seating Properly. To Properly Eleminate the Carburetor as a Possible Cause,  **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** Make Sure the Fuel Pump is Assemblied Properly. Once the Carburetor has been Soaked and Cleaned and the Problem Still Exists, then Check the Flywheel Key. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 42E707-2631. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View.  If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John