Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 4500 Craftsman dies when mower is engaged, leak fuel, gas filter

Question
My DSY 4500 Crafstman(26 HP Koler, code PS-SV735-0017, serial # 3819700453)that has about 20 hours running time it starts and runs but no power, fouls plugs in minutes and dies when I engage the mower. I have drained gas and replaced with good gas twice, cleaned and replaced plugs, new air filter and gas filter and still no improvement.

Answer
Howard
have you checked the Governor? Sounds like  that's is where to start,when You have loss of power when you engage the deck that means that the engine is not given the power to compensate for the load. One thing you may try is to clean the carburetor also.Try to run the unit with the gas cap off of it and see if it still quits. If it does not quit then replace the gas cap. If it still quits and will fire back up when fuel is put into it then take the carburetor completely off and soak it overnight in a dip can of carburetor cleaner. Also replace the fuel lines if there are any cracks in them. Fuel lines can suck air and not leak fuel.