Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 5 HP BRIGGS@STRATTON, briggs stratton, hp briggs

Question
I HAVE A 5 HORSE B@S ENGINE ON MY TROY BUILT ROTOTILLER (6 YEARS OLD).I HAVE A NEW AIR FILTER, NEW SPARK PLUG,NEW GAS.I RUN ALL THE GAS OUT OF THE ENGINE EVERY YEAR AT SEASONS END.AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS SEASON 2006 I FUELED UP WITH NEW GAS NO PROBLEM STARTING TWO PULLS.NOW THE ENGINE HAS STARTED IDLING ROUGH AND HAS NO POWER AND SEEMS TO BE RUNNING RICH, WITH BLACK SMOKE.ENGINE STILL STARTS EASY.

Answer
 Hello Mark:

 It Sounds like the Carb is Running too Rich. This can be Caused by the Float Needle not Seating Properly or the Carb may just Require Adjusting. If it is 6 yrs Old, the Carb may be Due for a Good Cleaning and Overhauling. Send me the Engine Numbers Off the Engine and I can be of more Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John