Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda wont stay running., needle valve, gunk

Question
Ex wife has a Honda HR215 SX given with the house.  Was running good and now will not stay running.  Starts good and runs about two seconds and quits.  Drained gas, cleaned out gas bowl, sprayed cleaner into carb and onto float and area to clean gunk.  Readjusted needle valve on carb, oil was OVER full and drained and refilled.  Only starts in full choke position and runs only on HIGH speed setting.  Was smoking a great deal on start before.  After adjustment still does a little.  This problem has gotten worse as time went by she tells me now.  Do not have a manual for mower.

Answer
I don't have a muanul on the mower but the symptoms you described are classic dirty carb indications.

Have you removed, dis-assembled and cleaned the carb with compressed air from an air compressor and carb cleaner?

Did the oil smell like gas?  If so, then the carb inlet needle may be leaking and needs to be replaced.
Clean the carb and let me know what happens.
Eric