I have a Craftsman 12.5 HP riding mower. My wife ran over a wire that wrapped around one blade and stalled the engine. I removed the wire and was able to start the mower. It blew out a lot of smoke that cleared up, and I drove the mower into the garage. Now the motor won't run unless I spray gas into the carb. As soon as I stop spraying the motor dies. I took the carb apart and everything seems clean and ports are all open and clear. The float seems to be working OK. I pulled the flywheel and the key on the shaft is in good shape. Fuel flows from the tank to the float chamber. I took the cover off over the valve stems and they both are moving back and forth when I turn the crankshaft. The intake port sucks in when I turn the crank. The spark plug looks good and there is compression that blows my finger off the spark plug hole. I can't think of anything else to check.

Had same problem on 6.6 B&S. Changed the float and the bowl gasket. That did the job for mine.

The plug probably isn't wet, so your not getting fuel.

If your getting fuel to the bowl, then it's likely the float or the valve or a case of bad gas.

About a day ago I was in a rental place that was swamped with lawn mower repairs and they said that another mower shop has been swamped too. All carb problems which they believe are related to ethanol in the gas. Lots of rusting and junk in the carb.

If the plug is getting wet, then add some seafoam carb cleaner into the tank per directions.

If it's not then empty the tank and add a small amount of seafoam in the gas tank and see if you can get the plug wet.

Make sure the fuel valve isn't hanging up.

This season, I put some life back into a 35 year old mower. New wheels, new throttle plate, new throttle cable and it starts on the second or third pull.