How can I get my lawn mower started?

My father' s Sears Craftsman 5.0 HP, 4-cycle, self propelled mulching mower sat for seven years after he died. It ran fine then. I retrieved the mower, changed the plug, replaced oil, new gas, took apart carburator and cleaned. Engine will run for 3 seconds if you put gas directly into the chamber. Otherwise, it won't start, or even kick over. Could it be an electrical problem? Or a gas problem? Any suggestions on how to fix it?
Floyd e-mail: pfloyd@ableonline.org, July 2004


done
Hi could any one help me my scooter will not start i havent had it going for about 9 months it used to be a good run and had no problems what could be rong with it if u think u no whats rong please email me at joelovesfishing246@hotmail.com thanks.

joe brown, February 2006
To: Chetsbro1

Exactly. Jet holes in carburator bowl nut were clogged. Thorough cleaning of the nut did the trick. It runs fine now. Thanks for your help.

Floyd, August 2004
check gsasoline tank, disconnect plug wire and turn engine over to see fire junp between plug wire and plug check gas bowl if so equipped, drain carb and check gas for water

WalterAdams, July 2004
sounds like your carb isn't delevering gas to the engine. Try this remove the air breather and put your hand over the opening. Pull on the start rope a few times. Remove your hand and see if there is any gas in the opening. If so your jets in the carb may be clogged. If you can put gas directly in the carb and the engine will turn over that your problem is in the carb. nothing else is wrong with it. Please let me know what you find.

chetsbro1, July 2004
link Click here to see other fixes for Craftsman.