Don't know what your problem is, but for one thing for sure it fuel related. Looks like a lot of guesses for you to check out here. Maybe a stuck needle valve?
#6
Fish
Try just draining the tank and bowl, that old gas doesn't burn too well.
#7
pugaltitude
The model 294447 will be a horizontal shaft engine so you should be able to take the top off the carb and use a rag and dry the bowl clean.
Make sure you note how the float comes out.
If you want to take the carb right off then you will have to take the engine covers and manifold right off.
Usually gaskets are required and a carb overhaul kit.
This is going by memory though!
