Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Carb, craftsman lawn tractor, sears craftsman

Question
QUESTION: I have a B&S 20HP Twin Intek Platinum engine on my Craftsman lawn tractor (not original to the tractor). The engine surges slightly and will only run smoothly with the choke shut a bit. It sounds like a slight increase in rpms. Additionally, I get flooding periodically. Today it wouldn't start after running out of gas, and the carb flooded. I blew out the line and then it started fine. I also replaced the gas filter.

My question, should I first soak the card (what would you recommend - I think there are some plastic parts inside) and/or rebuild it. I've never rebuilt a carb, so would need some advice.

I use Sea Foam in my gas for running and storage and try not to burn gas older than 30 days or so, even if I've stablized it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

ANSWER: We usually only soak is a the fisrt couple of carb cleanings does solve the problem because some of the aggressive soaking chemicals will destroy the plastic parts.

The carb is pretty simple but you will need an air compressor to blow out all the carb orfices.  Take digital pictures as you dis-assemble the carb and make the linkages so you know how to re-connect them.  Late model carbs have very few adjustments so you don't really need any special tools to perform the cleaning.  

Have you searched You Tube for carb cleaning or carb rebuilding videos?

Eric

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

QUESTION: Eric, thanks but what brand of carb cleaning solvent or a substitute is safe for plastic parts. The float is plastic, which I could remove, and I think there's another small plastic part.

Here are the details on the engine:
Sears Craftsman 42" mower
20HP Turbo Cooled I/C Platinum
Model: 461707
Type: 0145E3  OR 461707-0145-E3
Code: 0006285B
Family YBSXs 7482VE 274567

I found some good advice on rebuilding the carb online.

Answer
Berryman is a good, but pretty strong carb cleaner.  I'd recommend using a can of spray carb cleaner and air from an air compressor to blow out all the carburetor orfices.  Typically, we only soak carbs as a last resort because, like you said, the soak will destroy any and all plastic parts.

99% of the time the spray carb cleaner and air compressor air fixes the carb.  Looked up your carb and there no welch plugs.  So, unless you carb is extremely gummy I wouldn't soak it...just spray and blow out the orfices and jets.

Eric