[on_the_fly]

Jim you are describing the float needle. Yes you will need to remove the float and needle and clean them up but you will also want to remove the needle jet as well for this is most likey the issue of not running, if the float needle was stuck open then you would have gas coming out the over flow, and of corse you would get no gas if was stuck shut, but you said it sat awhile so best bet is pull it and clean it all.