Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine runs only in choke position, zama carburetor, zama carburetors

Question
i have a 16.5 briggs model 31c707 type 0154e1 that will only run in the choke position. i have wired the the choke open and can now move the throttle lever to control the rpm's. any ideas as to why ?

Answer
Hello R.J.:

From your Description, I am Confused. If it Runs with the Choke On Only, then you Must have Wired the Choke Closed, Not Open. If this is Correct, then the Engine is Using the Choke Port/Jet to Run the Engine and Not the Main Jet. If this is Correct, then I Suggest you Make Sure the Intake Gaskets are Not Leaking.  If the Intake has No Leaks, then I Suggest you **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air.*** (Do Not Use High Pressure Air for the Zama Carburetors, they have Check Valves for the Primer and these are Usually Blown Out of the Carburetor if Not Careful. Allow the Zama Carburetor to Set on a Drip Pan and Dry)***. Install New Parts if Required.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (31c707) and Type Numbers (0154) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. Low Compression is the Only Other Reason for the Engine to Require the Choke to be Closed to Run. If the Compression is Low, then the Engine Cannot Draw Gas through the Main Jet of the Carburetor and the Choke Must be Closed either Partially or Completely for the Engine to Pull Enough Gas to Run. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John