Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 2-cycle oil/gas in 4 cycle engine, adjustment screws, carburetor body

Question
Hi John,
My son accidently put 2-cycle oil/gas in our lawn mower. I changed the spark plug to get it to start, but it runs rather ragged. I was told to use carburetor cleaner in the carb, but I cannot find the air intake on my Craftsman 6.5 HP B&S engine. First, will this cure my problem, second, do I need to do anything else to rectify this situation? Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello Rick:

If you have Dumped the Fuel Mix Out of the Tank, then Fill the Tank with the Proper Gas and Run the Engine at Full Throttle Until the Tank is Empty. If the Carburetor has Not Started to Operate Properly by the End of the Tank of Gas, then  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, Float Pin, 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. Sometimes the Fuel Mix is to Thick to be Properly Pulled through the Carburetor Jet and the Carburetor Must be Cleaned Manually. Spray Cleaners for this Problem Do Not Help. 99.9% of the Time, by the Middle to the End of the Tank of Good Gas the Engine and Carburetor will Start Operating Properly and the Engine Will Quit Smoking (if it is Smoking). 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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