Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD160 kawi 12.5, carburetor body, autolite plugs

Question
any help would be greatly appreciated, Hi John i have a JD with a 12.5 i got for free the mower is very hard starting but once started its idles nice and revs good the second the pto comes on the mower dies, so i put a new plug in it and just like you said in another post they gave me a champion, i put it in and it ran like a top for 5 minutes now its starts hard runs rough and backfires it does not put out any smoke at all any help would be great thanks

Answer
Hello Nathan:

Have you Replaced the New Plug with Another Plug of a Different Brand? I Do Not Like Champion Plugs. I have had too Many that were Bad Sttraight Out of the Box. I Use NGK, AC, or Autolite Plugs Whenever Possible. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. If this is an OHV Engine, then the Valves May Require Adjusting or the Carburetor May be Dirty and Requires a Good Soak and Cleaning. Check the Valve Clearance First, if the Clearance is Good, 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, 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 the 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. 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