Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Timing on a Honda lawnmower engine., honda lawnmower, lawnmower engine

Question
I have a craftsman lawnmower with a honda engine. When I start it the engine rpms go up and down. The mower doesn't have power. If I close the the choke about half way it runs OK, But not like it should. I've taken the carb off and cleaned it with no effect. Could this be a timing problem? If so how do I fix it?

Answer
The indications you described are usually related to carb problems.  Did you blow compressed air from an air compressor through all the carb orfices/holes?  The problem is probably a partially blocked high speed circuit problem.

If it were a timing issue then the engine probably wouldn't start at all.

Eric