Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman mower, internal passages, fresh oil

Question
Hi, I bought an old mower that looked pretty good. Put in
some gas and fresh oil, new air filter, but it will not start.
Oh yes i cleaned the spark plug. Does not appear to be
getting gas throught the carb. Is it worh trying to pull the
carb and cleaning it. I imagine i will have to get new
gaskets? Can i try spraying the inside with a carb cleaner
first?

Answer
You may as well remove and clean the carb as spraying carb cleaner in the carb won't unplug any of the critical internal passages.  Use a piece of tag wire to clean out the internal passages and follow up with carb cleaner.  You will have to take the numbers from the engine into a shop to get any of the necessary gaskets.  Make sure you pay close attention to how everything hooks up before you remove the carb...take a picture if you have a digital camera.  Hope this helps.