Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro mower stalling

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a 2005 Toro lawn mower that has trouble starting and to continue running. Info from Tecumseh engine is cc dist. 195cc and engine family -5TPXS 1951 BC. What's happening is that the mower is hard to start and will run for a minute then shut off. When it runs longer as soon as I try to cut grass it will shut off under a load. The rpm does not seem to increase on the grass which is why it shuts off. I removed the carb and clean the float and needle valve and spray carb cleaner throughout. Also adjusted mixture screw 1 and half turns out and idle screw one turn out so trottle slightly open. Also the throttle lever on top of carb has a spring and wire that connect to a bracket that is screwed to a black lever on engine and I'm not sure if I have that in correct position. The small black lever on engine without bracket connected will move 3 quarters of a circle and not sure what position it connects to bracket. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

ANSWER: Is the engine model number LV195EA?

Is this the owner's manual?
http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/OperatorManuals/pdf/181-1215-14.pdf

Did you Google "Tecumseh governor diagram" or "Craftsman governor diagram" and see if the pictures help?  You can search for carburetor or governor link as well.

Did you loosen or move the arm connected to the engine?  If so you will need to re-set.  Refer to page 27 at the the addess below...it should open a PDF.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved

If not, DO NOT loosen the governor arm (part next to the engine).
When you cleaned the carburetor did you blow compressed air from an air compressor through all the carb holes?

Have you replaced the spark plug?

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Eric, To answer your questions. The model # is LV195XA. That is the owners manual. I did remove the screw for the governor lever when removing the carb. I reset per page 27. I blew out the carb holes after spraying carb cleaner in every hole I could find. The spark plug, air filter are new also fresh gas. The engine has no choke. I have to prime it about 10 times so it will start,even when hot. Now the engine will run for about 10-15 minutes but when I put on grass it shuts off after a few seconds. Sometimes just putting the self-propell on will shut it off. Since the engine will run for over 10 minutes, would that rule out a bad spark, filter and carb? Can you please help me to get this mower running properly again. I don't know what else to do. Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Priming 10 times is unusual indicating there is still a problem in the carb.  You need to remove the carb again, clean with compressed air and carb clean (spray can) blowing through all the carb orifices.  I have had to clean some carbs several times to get them to run.

The running for 10-15 minutes is probably not carb related directly, but could be fuel related.  Make sure the carb gaskets properly sealing and not leaking when the engine warms up.  A warped or old stiff gasket can cause parts not to seal when warm.  

I would also check the head bolt torque as I have found other Tecumseh engines have loose head bolts cause weird fuel related like problems.

The real problem sounds like the high speed carb circuits are delivering enough fuel to the engine to keep it running under a load, aka cutting grass or running the drive.  The high speed fuel circuit is activated when when the governor arm moves the carb throttle plate open to allow more fuel to enter the engine.  If the governor is not working due to binding, improper connecting link configuration, or governor mis-adjustment then the carb high speed circuits will not work.

Did you make sure the connecting links are properly routed?  You can search Google images for Tecumseh or Craftsman governor or carburetor link diagram and find lots of pictures.

If you want to attach a close up picture of the throttle links I may be able to see if they are properly connected.  Just take a macro shot right below the top of the linkage plate and another picture of the spring connection.

Eric