Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman wont start, flapper valve, gas mixture

Question
I have a 5hp craftsman 10 years old.  Took it out of longterm storage for use.  Pulled the carb because I knew it had a starting problem and susppected the carb.  As I thought it was full of varnish and that white power from old gas.  I have cleaned it throughly, cleaned and checked the plug.  There is gas in the bowl and I have spark but the mower will not start.  Flapper valve is open.  Not sure about the gas mixture.  I plan to check if the plug wire is grounding out tonight. This mower ran fine when it went into storage a couple of years ago.  Suggestions?

David

Answer
Hi David,

Try to start it while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake.  If it starts and you can keep it running by adding fuel, then the carb most likely still has debris or gummed fuel inside.  First, check for a good fuel flow from the tank at the carb's inlet fitting.
Then you will need to re-clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire.   Adding a carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael