Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): LAWNMOWER, float bowl, electrical connection

Question
1998 MURRAY 16.5HP RIDING LAWNMOWER.  RECENTLY USING MOWER AND IT STOPPED AND WOULD NOT START.  THOUGHT IT WAS NOT GETTING FUEL.  POURED FUEL INTO CARB. IT RAN UNTIL FUEL IN CARB WAS GONE.  REMOVED  CARB TO CHECK FOR DEBRIS, DID NOT SEE ANY.  DISCOVERED EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS LOOSE.  TIGHTENED AND LAWNMOWER STARTED BUT WILL ONLY RUN WIDE OPEN.  NOW LAWNMOWER FLOODS AND WON'T START.  WHAT DID I DO?  CARB BOWL HAS ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ON BOTTOM I AM NOT FAMILAR WITH.

Answer
It is possible that you re-assembled the carb incorrectly and the float is hanging up and allowing fuel to flood the engine.  I would recommend removing the carb and verifying that you have it assembled correctly.  I have been out of the field since 1995, so I can't say for sure what the electrical connection on the float bowl is.  If you reply with the numbers from the engine (either on a tag or stamped on the engine), I may be able to find a parts breakdown on the net and let you know what it does.  Hope this helps.