Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Mower Will Not Start, carbuerator, electrical problem

Question
I have an old mower with a Kohler MV18 engine.  Was running fine,but noticed on the last run, I could not control the engine speed.  It appeared to rev higher than I noticed was normal at full throttle.  Finished cutting the grass and then parked the movwer in the garage.  Went to start the mower for the next lawn cut and it will not start.  I can only start it, if I keep pouring gas down the carbuerator.  I checked the fuel pump and it seemed like it was barely pumping so I purchased and installed a new one.  Flow is better but still will not start.  So, if I keep pouring gas down the carb, it runs which tells me I don't have an electrical problem.  All the throttle linkages appear to be set properly and appear to be working, along with the governor.  Took the carb bowl off and it was pretty clean inside.  Didn't go much further, 'giggled' the float and it moved. Even if I eventually get it started,  I am suspicious about the run away speed, so I may have two problems.

Answer
It could be a timing issue but I doubt it.  Like you, I suspect a fuel system component, mainly the governor.  Now it may not be the governor but a worn carb part causing the governor to malfunction.  I have found carburetor butterfly shafts that were wore causing some binding which the governor responded by tring to adjust the engine speed.

Go to the link below and download the service manual:

http://www.kohlerengines.com/manuals/landing.htm

Enter you model number.  The manual is there...it may be a little difficult to find but it's there.  Follow the directions on checking/adjusting the governor and let me know what you find.

Eric