I just purchased a 42" 16.5hp Craftsman lawnmower from a guy that bought it new, used it for two seasons and put it in storage for the last five or six years. I can't get it to start. When I put the fuel line directly into the carb it starts and stays running as long as I keep the fuel flowing steadily. When I engage the blades nothing happens, and when I don't push in the brake/clutch it does nothing, which it's suppose to do. So I don't think that any of the kill switches are bad. There is new gas in the tank, not that it matters, since it runs when the fuel line goes straight into the carb, like I said before. So from what I can deduct, there is something stopping the fuel from flowing to the carb. Any ideas? Thanks,

Blocked gas line or a dirty carb.

Mower_Man

Well it's not a blocked gas line, since I'm getting the gas to flow into the carb using the gas line. I sprayed the carb with carb cleaner and it looks pretty clean. What on the card would be dirty to cause this to happen? How hard is it to remove the carb so I could inspect it closer? What about the fuel shut off solenoid thingy that is located directly under the carb? Is it possible that it is stuck in the "off" position?

YES YOU ARE RIGHT! check if it is getting power.turn the key to the "on"poition and listen for a click.if there is no click,try cleaning it and checking if it is getting power if not replace it.
Mower_Man