Tractor Repair: massey 35 petrol wont start, mf 35, carby

Question
Hi Arnie, I have a 1960 MF 35 petrol tractor and it will not start. The electrics are okay and have replaced  all the spark plug leads as well as the distributor cap and  has new s/plugs. I had it running  for short periods over the last few years and has not done any serious work. It also has a brake issue. I have replaced the gasket and used a repair kit for the carby. Cleaned out some muck in bottom of  carby bowl and blew any jets etc with compressed air. When i spray a carby cleaner mixture into barrel of the choke inlet the motor will kick over then die  after  a few seconds. So obviously not getting fuel into engine. Not sure what else i can do to carby. compression seems okay and it has started in past. Tried the correct throttle needle adjustements but am getting frustrated by this. What else can i do??Greatful for any help. Colin

Answer
  Check the flow of fuel at the tank.  The outlet could be plugged with dirt.  If it runs out of the tank, disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and see if it runs there.  If not, then the fuel line is plugged.  If it runs out of the fuel line, then the float in the carburetor could be sticking.  Possibly the carburetor is getting enough fuel but the fuel won't burn.  if the fuel in the tank is more than 5 or 6 months old it is stale and the engine won't run on it.  If that's the case, then the tank and carburetor should be drained and fresh fuel put in.  Also make sure the choke is closing completely or it won't start.