Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Running slower..oil and gas blowing out bottom, decent line, lowes

Question
I have Craftsman Kohler I think a 19.5 hp...it has recently started to run slower and always sounds like it is in a strain..Yesterday the black liquid became a lot more prominent.  It dies when in a strain & I must run it with the fuel fed wide open or it will not cut without bogging down..using much more fuel than normal.  Is it time for the graveyard?

Answer
If it's from Sears it's junk when it was new.

Sounds like you need to clean the carb to me.

15 years ago Sears sold a decent line of products.  Flash forward to 2007 and Sears isn't the only game in town anymore.  Sears is competeing with "The Big 2" (Lowes and Depot). To keep up with  "The Big 2" Sears has had to sell lower quality equipment to compete.

Clean the carb and see what happens.  If you decide to replace GO TO A DEALER.  It will cost more but you get what you pay for.