Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower engine bogs down randomly, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
I bought a used push mower off of a co-worker of my wife about three years ago.  Near the tail end of last summer the mower seemed to not want to run very well so I changed the air filter and spark plug.  It ran fine on the next use but every time I've used it since, it bogs down.  The first time I used it this spring I primed the gas and it started on the second pull, and ran fine until I was finished.  Then I tried to mow today and it would not stay running.  Even with no load, idling over concrete, the engine was bogging down, then the RPMs would surge to normal running speed for a few seconds, then bog down again after a few cycles like this it eventually quits running.  What could be causing this intermittent performance problem?  I couldn't even finish mowing today because it bogged down so much.

Answer
Hello James:

From your Description it Sounds Like the Carburetor Requires a Good Soak and Cleaning. 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. Install New Parts if Required.** Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. 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