Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawnmower wont start, pawls, rain storm

Question
hello, i just bought a craftsman honda 5.5hp lawnmowermodel number 378550166, it was a new model, i put a fresh tank of gas and it started up on the first pull and ran well when i ran out of gas i put in another tank full, when i tried to start the machiene the mower started ran for about 2 min and then stopped now i cannot even get it to turn over at all when i pull the string i get nothing. when i was pouring the gas for the second filling i accidentally spilled some gas onto the top of the mower it went down into where the rope pull is i think, also there was a rain storm and the tarp blew off but the rain was before the first cut can u suggest something to fix the problem?  


please send the email to my yahoo acct or at least where i can go for your answer

                              thank you
                 karen smith

Answer
We frequently find defective spark plugs even in new mowers.  We have even found brand new plug out of the box that were bad.  

Try replacing the spark plug.

If the string is not catching then most likely the starter pawls are sticking.  You should be able to remove the starter fairly easy by removing the two screws.  Use a small screwdriver or even a butter knive to gently free the starter pawls.  

Does this help?
Eric