Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD lx 173 starting problem, water in the fuel, fuel system

Question
QUESTION: I have A JD lx 173 that wont start if to push throttle all the way up to coke but while turning over if you pull throttle back to idle it starts .....you cant throttle up at that point cause it stalls  till it warms up some if you can keep it going ,then it runs fine .....anyone know what that could be ??   JOe

ANSWER: I may need a little more info about what engine you have on this unit. It sounds to be a carb issue. But need more info.

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QUESTION: Its a Kohler 14 0r 15 HP ....its just weird the way it seems to turn and turn and not fire till I pull the throttle back to idle .start but not allow me to throttle up till its warmed up a minute or so then run fine ...

Answer
This reminds me that i had a unit a couple years ago come in with this very issue with a kohler on a craftsman. Not saying that it is the same issue exactly, but i rebuilt the carb, flushed the fuel system, and replaced the spark plug on this unit which resolved that issue.
It sounds very possible that there is water in the fuel. Not enough to keep it from running, just enough to be a headache.