Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Harmony H1011 Riding Mower, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
My mower has working great until the last 2 times I've used it.  for some reason the engine is starving for gas under a load such as mowing uphill after the mower has run at full throttle for a few minutes.  I can sit and idle for a while and then it works fine even up hill for the next few minutes until there is a demand on the engine.  I thought that maybe the gas cap vent was clogged but that's not the problem.  I put a new gas filter on, new gas line and checked the bowl and float and it has good gas flow to that point.  When it starves for gas it back fires but I can usually keep it running by just quickly throttling down.  I took the carb off, removed the needle valve and blew everything out with compressed air.  There are to orifices on the carb that I can hear some sort of diaphram moving back and forth when I gently blow air into them.  I think some sort of vacuum is forming that won't let the gas flow freely into the carb.  Your help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Answer
Hello Tom:

From your Description, it Sounds like the Gas Flow to the Carburetor is Being Restricted. Have you Checked the Gas Tank and the Gas Tank Outlet Port for Trash/Water? If the Tank is Clean, 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 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/Engine at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John