Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Tractor, carburetor body, craftsman model

Question
I own a craftsman model #917.273160 with a Kohler engine model #cv492, type #27506. Was having problem starting, rebuilt the starter and started fine. It kept draining the battery. Replaced battery, drained it again. Got it started and now when it is running the choke keeps engaging on and off.When you put it in gear it stalls.Put in fresh gas and I took apart the carburetor and cleaned it. Replaced the spark plug. No help. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello Jeff:

If the Battery Keeps Draining, then Check the Voltage Regulator. It Sounds like the Regulator is Bad. Did you Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner? If No, then the Carburetor May Still be Dirty. To Properly Clean the 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. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Is the Engine Stalling when you Release the Clutch/Brake Pedal? If Yes, then Check the Seat Safety Switch. If the Seat Safety Switch is Bad or Not Making Good Connection, it will Cause the Engine to Quit when the Clutch/Brake is Released or the Blades are Engaged. **Check the Seat Safety Switch. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). The Seat Safety is Showing No One is Seating in the Seat when the Clutch or Blades are Engaged.** 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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