Need help getting engine to start

[ski_rush]

I have a 46" Craftsman riding mower with a 21hp B &S engine (model #331877-1371-B1). I got it from my parents and it's from 2010. It has sat for several years because they did not use it. I flushed the gas tank. I replaced the fuel filter and spark plug. I also replaced the battery. The engine cranks and cranks but it will not start. Is it possible the carb is "stuck" and gummed up? Do I need to replace the carb? Can anyone help me with finding the right carb to order? Can I just take the carb off and "clean" it? I don't have a carb rebuild kit.

Are there other things you would recommend that I check that might be causing it to not start?

 

[dougand3]

Carbs do get gummed up. You need the Briggs 594601 - Nikki (before 2015) carb or 796184 overhaul kit. Search web for 331877-1371-B1. All kinds of parts houses come up. So many options - a $52 OEM overhaul kit or a new AfterMarket carb for $17.

Spray fuel into the carb throat. See if engine runs for a few seconds. Yes = fuel delivery problem.
You may get success by dropping the carb bowl, cleaning it and the main jet. Never done this carb - others will comment.

 

[ski_rush]

Carbs do get gummed up. You need the Briggs 594601 - Nikki (before 2015) carb or 796184 overhaul kit. Search web for 331877-1371-B1. All kinds of parts houses come up. So many options - a $52 OEM overhaul kit or a new AfterMarket carb for $17.

Spray fuel into the carb throat. See if engine runs for a few seconds. Yes = fuel delivery problem.
You may get success by dropping the carb bowl, cleaning it and the main jet. Never done this carb - others will comment.

Thanks for the info. I will look into that. The $17 carb on ebay is tempting, but I'd be worried that you get what you pay for there. Anyone have experience with them and if they actually work? The rebuild doesn't look too bad. Funny that the rebuild kit is more than the aftermarket carbs.

Besides the carb, please let me know what else I can check. What else can cause it not to start?

 

[dougand3]

First, fuel into carb throat. Does engine run?