Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mastercraft lawn mower, gas lawnmower, new spark

Question
Hi we recently got a used mastercraft gas lawnmower. the choke line was broke, husband repaired same. still wont start. he purchased a new spark plug, still wont start. when you pull the cord it sounds like it wants to it just wont. the lawnmower was stored with gas in it. any ideas as what to check next?

Answer
Hi Shelvy
Sounds like gas set up as varnish in the carburator (thats what is left behind when gas evaporates)
If the mower has a fuel bowl (round bowl like object directly under the carburator)  He can buy a can of carburator cleaner, remove the one large nut holding the bowl on (nuts is directly on the bottom), the bowl will pull down and come off, and he can spray the cleaner up into every hole he finds (protecting his eyes!)- this gives about a 50/50 chance of cleaning it up.

problem is the tiny hole that pulls gas up from the bowl into the air stream is clogged with varnish- thats the battle.
Anyways - its a cheap enough attempt to repair that its worth the effort.  If you can't clear the carb- its best to take it to a shop where they'll take it off and soak it in a chemical to dissolve the varnish.
Lemme know how it goes OK?