Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Poulan, arinet, weed eater

Question
I have a Poulan rider I just obtained, I don't know much about mowers, if I look for parts how do they display there models? The model on it says PPR17H42ST, I was told it runs wide open and needs a spring in the carb, plus the steering just clicks and goes in circles without moving the wheels. So I know I am going to need some parts for it.I havent started it yet(the battery is dead) but the engine 17H briggs looks really clean and the body isn't bad, I just have to start somewhere and need to know how to search the net for parts.....Thanks

Answer
Hello Dale:

Most Poulan Riders are an AYP (American Yard Products) Mowers Made for Poulan/Weed Eater. From your Description it Sounds like the Throttle Control Valve May have Come Loose from the Throttle Control Shaft. This Accounts for the Engine Not Throttling Down and Running at Full Throttle All the Time. If Not, then Reset the Governor.  If you Removed the Govrnor Arm to Remove the Carburetor, then Reset the Governor. **To Reset the Governor; Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt and Turn the Governor Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops. Using the Governor Arm Hold the Carburetor to Full Throttle. Now with the Shaft Full Clockwise and the Governor Arm and Carburetor Held at Full Throttle, Tighten the Governor Arm Bolt. If the Engine Still Runs Full Throttle, then Reverse the Rotation of the Governor Shaft, but Still Hold the Carburetor at Full Throttle with the Governor Arm. If it Still Runs at Full Throttle, then Check the Internal Governor.** I Could Not Locate a Breakdown for your Model. The Closest I could Get is a Model PP16H44. It Should be Close to the Same as your Model for the Steering Problem. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog Poulan/Weed Eater. Now Select Poulan Pro. Now Select Gas. Now Select Mowers, Tillers and Tractors. Now Select Tractors. Now Select the Model PP16H44. Now Select the Steering and Front Axle File. The Problem with the Steering Jumping as you Described is Usually the Support Shaft (#20) being Worn Out or the Bearing (#25) being Worn Out. 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