Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): carbuerator reassembly, mike wallace, air filter

Question
Well I may have over estimated my smarts. I have a Craftsman 6.0 SP mower. I would get it to start but it would die unless you pumped more gas into the carb. I changed the air filter and then with no improvement decided that it may be the float. I removed the float and purchased a new one and am ready to put it back together but... I have no experience rebuilding carbs beyond float replacement in cars. I have piece of metal that has a head on one end and the other end is pointed. Its about 3/8" long and I don't know where it goes. Looked for diagrams on the web but no luck.     
                          Thanks, Mike Wallace

Answer
 Hello Mike:

 The Part you are talking about is the Float Needle. Right where the Float Piviots; there should be a Hole where the Needle goes Into. The Float Pushs the Needle onto the Seat and Shuts Off the flow of Gas into the Bowl. I hope you have Cleaned the CARB good and Blown all the Passages Out with Air. If so you should be Good to Go.Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John