Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): honda h4518 lawn mower, carburetor body, riding lawn mower

Question
i have a honda h4518 riding lawn mower which has been excellent mower.  mower was running great until parked for two months.  now the mower will only run with the choke fully on. when placed on run the engine starts to sputter and stalls out.  i tried cleaning the carburetor with spray carb cleaner but it still runs very rough at fast speed.  it will run smooth only on choke.  i can mow with it but it seems to have less power this way.  i sure its a carburetor problem,  do you think the carb needs to be rebuilt?.  these mowers are no longer made and getting parts for them gets tougher each year.  i live in florida and my honda dealership has never worked on this model since these mowers were mainly sold in the northeast, so im told.  i would really appreciate any help that you can give me regarding this problem.  thanks

Answer
Hello John:

If you Did Not Soak the carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner, then  **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.** This is the ONLY SURE Way to Clean a Small Engine Carburetor. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower/Engine at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. 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

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Respectfully

John