Gas powered reel mower with Briggs Stratton engine-followup

Thanks everyone for you replies about my previous post. I sanded the points and condenser and I have solid spark. I've ran into 2 issues: (1), there was some varnish and rust inside the gas tank which I feel have it cleaned pretty good. (2) I've purchased the gaskets that go from the carburetor to the engine and gaskets between the fuel tank and carburetor. I purchased a new diaphram that goes to the side of the carburetor. What I noticed when removing the gaskets between the carb and engine I gently used 800# emory cloth to smooth it down. It looks okay. When looking at the cover that holds the diaphram in the side of the carb it needed smoothing out and I did the same gently using #800 emory to it as it did not appear perfectly flat. Everything looks clean and mates up good. I hope I did not overdo it on the cover that goes to the diaphram side. My question is should I have left the diaphram cover alone and tried it using a new diaphram? I know it's too late to ask this question since I've already have done it. I hope I havn't overdone anything causing problems I may regret. Any assistance always appreciated and thank for you advice/info.

Flattening a warped cover with Emory cloth is an acceptable method. Just lay the cloth face up on a known flat surface, like a piece of glass, hold the plate flat against the cloth, use irregular patterns and equal pressure.

But 800 grit? Are you sure it's not 80 grit?

Using 800 grit could take weeks! LOL But 80 would be a little too rough. Finishing it up with some 180-220 should give a good finish.

A tip, when starting one of the B&S engines with the tank mounted carbs, start with a full tank. It can take a lot of cranking to bring fuel up, especially with the deep tanks.

Thank you for your response. That's exactly what I did. I assure you it was #800 when sanding. I'll find out soon and share posts of my progress.

I used to polish every one of those diaphragm covers. They tend to warp and sometimes don't seal on the new diaphragm unless they are flattened back out. Don't worry about how much you took off unless it was 1/32 or more.

P.S. Be sure your pickup in the tank is clearing the bottom of the tank. I've seen several swell to the point the jam down on the bottom and can't flow any fuel.