Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Govenor in 15.5 Briggs and Stratton OHC, briggs and stratton, riding lawn mower

Question
Sir,
I am at wits end. I have a 15.5 HP Bolens riding lawn mower. For what ever reason the governor seemed to stop working and then it would work and then quit again. I have checked the spring from the internal governor arm to the throttle lever and it looks fine and the rod is there as well. I pulled the carburetor off and soaked it for 24 hours and then put it back together and no change. I tried adjusting the only needle valve it has with no idle change at all. I have changed the air filter (like that was going to help) and even went to far as to pull the engine off and pull it apart to look at the governor. It appeared to be fine and in the right position. I checked the fly wheel and key just to be sure but nothing had been hit to my knowledge.
If I pull the governor lever toward the front of the engine it starts flooding out and as soon as I release it, it "slowly" regains speed. As soon as I put the mower in gear the engine drags down to an idle and if I lower the mower deck it dies. I have tried everything but replacing the engine. PLEASE HELP.  

Answer
You say that when you push the governor rod forward, the engine floods out.  When you push it forwards, is that opening or closing the throttle?  If it's opening, then is there any black smoke?  When you reassembled the carburetor did you use a new carb kit?  Thanks, PK.