Save yourself a lot of time and money and ignore most of what killerdanny has just stated.
My guess is that you have a briggs and stratton engine with the fuel tak on the right of the engine (standing behind mower) with the carb and air filter on top.
you have, then all you need is a carb diaphragm kit pt no 795083 for a couple of quid from any dealer.
Simply remove the air cleaner and the two bolts that hold the tank/carb assy o the engine and remove fcompletely. Stick it on a bench and remove the 5 ross headed screws that hold the carb to the tank. Lift the carb from the tank and remove the existing diaphragm and gasket sandwiched between the bottom of the carb and the surface of the tank. Lay the diaphragm on the tank flange first and then the gasket. Lower the carb back onto the new gasket/diaphragm and carefully replace the screws into the carb flange. Equally tighten the screws.
Re-fit the carb/tank assy and re-fit the air filter assy.
Re-start.
pleasant
October 2011