Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere rx95 with a kawasaki 12.5 engine, valve adjustments, overhaul kit

Question
The carburetor was dirty ,so much it wouldn't run.I took it apart and cleaned it out ,put it back on and it started right up ran good for a few minutes then started sputtering ,(black smoke) appeared to be running rich ,and after running it had a small trickle of gas running out of the carb but not much.So I figured the needle wasnt seating and again I took it apart (called the dealer for a new one but they didn't have one )and cleaned the needle and seat and tryed it one more time.This time it again started right up sounded great ,made a few passes and after a few minutes I stoped mowing and it was ideling when it started running ruff and died. It would not restart completely ,it acted like it was starving for fuel .So now I'm thinking maybe the valve stem clearence may be to tight.Also this carb does not have a anti knock valve.I did pull the cover off so I could check the valve crearance as soon as it cooled down.My questions are do you think I'm on the right track and is there a certain way kawasaki wants clearences done? Thanks for any info Bruce.

Answer
Bruce...

You are on the right path with the carb.  Do not mess with the valve adjustments.  

Order a complete carb overhaul kit for your carb.  Completely disassemble your carb and "SOAK" it in a commercial carb cleaner (you can buy a 1 gallon can of Hydro Seal at Napa for like 15 bucks)  

Probe all the small holes in the carb with a small tag wire and blow with compressed air.  

Install new parts and you should be good to go.

Make sure you have an inline fuel filter to prevent any crud from the fuel tank or fuel line to get into your newly cleaned carb.