Craftsman with 5 HP Briggs Starts but Won't Run

I've already read a few threads on this and subsequently removed the carb and bowl thoroughly cleaning all the jets.

I made the HUGE mistake of buying this nightmare on Craigslist for $10. As the prior owner had turned it into Frankenmower, I went ahead and went through the entire engine and re-ringed it. Now I can get it to start with a shot of ether, but can't get it to run. As the guy before me seemed to mess with every other facet of the mower, do you think he messed with the set screws on the carb? If he did, I have no idea on how to set them.

Another thing running through my head...when I re-ringed it, the diagram for putting on the top ring did not seem to matter which edge of the ring was up. I'm hoping that's the case and I don't have some sort of weird compression issue.

I'm at a loss. I've put WAY too much money in time into this thing. Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Please post the engine model, type and code usually found stamped in the engine shroud just above the sparl plug and someone will get you going. Have a good one. Geo

 

Thanks. It numbers are: 124702-318601 CODE: 92021356. I also tried starting w/out the gas cap and still no dice. It won't run unless ether is sprayed in the carb.

 

I would suggest checking that the "O" ring for the intake is there, it is one of those things that break an fall off without notice. Briggs part 207344, it it is not there you have a massive air leak and the engine can't get any fuel. Have a good one. Geo

 

Thanks for the reply. When I took off the carb, there was an "O" ring in the block where it meets the carb. It was still there, but I can certainly try replacing it. Also I went to look up the part # to make sure I knew exactly what I was looking for. I used this web site: Lawn Mowers Replacement Parts | Shop Briggs & Stratton but the site didn't recognize that part number. Thanks again for your time and help. This thing's driving me nuts. I've always been able to figure out a Briggs in the past. I can't let Frankenmower win, I'm too far in to give up.

 

Sounds like the carb needs cleaning.

 

I finally decided just to throw on a new carb...started on the first pull. Thanks all.