Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD 15 hp Kawaski engine stalls, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
I have a 14 year old JD LX 178 15HP water cooled Kawasaki. Recently after about 30 seconds of idling normally the engine will load up & stall, spitting back raw gas into air intake. Also will  stumble/stall at full throttle with PTO engaged. Seems to run fine at mid to full throttle w/out load. I have heard of problems w/this engine running too cool & valves & seats building up w/deposits. Sound expensive. Any other thoughts or ideas would be appreciated

Answer
Hello Kent:

You are Correct about this Engine Running Cool. However, First,  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. If After the Carburetor Cleaning the Engine Still Stalls, then Remove the Cylinder Heads and De-Carbon the Valves and Piston Top. I have Removed the Cylinder Heads on Many of these Engines and Expected to See a Large Amount of Carbon and Found Only a Small Amount of Carbon. The Carburetor was the Cause, Not Carbon. Likewise, I have Cleaned the Carburetors and then had to Remove the Heads to De-Carbon the Cylinder Heads and Piston. I have Found it Better to Make Sure the Carburetor is Not the Cause before Removing the Cylinder Heads. 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