Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere, adjustment screws, air screw

Question
John, I am having problems witha my JD 160 with a Kawasaki 12hp year 1987. First had trouble starting tractor solenoid would click but not engaging starter motor. wiggle key 5-15 times it will start. replaced solenoid and same result. Went to Jd bought new switch and it worked fine for 20 starts then back to same problem. Checked voltage at switch and when clicking noise it had low voltage9-10.5 volts. try again and it would start right up. Tried to get schematic no luck - so I ran a fused hot wire to switch now it works everytime.But I still have a problem with idling, sometime it will idle fine for 15 minutes next time it sputters and quits- start back up ok. I have checked and cleaned grounds and connections on starter, relays,safety switches.I give up- ignitor,coil and plug have been replaced. Only thing I'm not sure of is the air gap on flywheel.Also adjusted air screw on carb, high speed in fixed. Help?

Answer
Hello Dick:

From your Description, it Sounds like a Carburetor Problem. It Does Not Take Much in the Way of Gas or Trash to Effect the Operating of a Carburetor. Have you Cleaned the Gas Tank, Fuel Lines and Carburetor? 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, Float Pin, 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. The  Coil/Magnetron is Set at .020in from the Flywheel. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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