You can get an extension from sears. Pretty cheap.
As far as it not doing heating up like the others, I had the same exact problem. Changed different caps, changed to different spark plugs. Nothing ever changed it either. I then adjusted my fuel height with the floats and presto, all is great running order. You can also achieve this by taking the float bowl off the carb w/o removing the whole assembly, saves a great deal of time!!
Btw., what does the spark plug look like when you pull it out? If it's wet, you know you're getting too much fuel.. just my .02 cents.
Hope you figure it out, cause i know how it can be a pain in the arse. =)