Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 6.0 quiet pull lawn mower, exhaust port, muffler

Question
Hi John,
I'm having some problems with my lawn mower. The other day I put gas in it and started to mow the lawn and noticed it sounded different. It was making a putin sound and even though it was cutting the grass it wasn't sucking it into the bag but leaving it behind. Well yesterday I tried it again and now it doesn't even have enouth power to mow. It starts right up but it sounds like it has no compression and like it will die out on me. I haven't done anything to fix it cause i'm not sure what it could be. Oh yeah also it is blowing black smoke from the side, hesitating and has no power to go anywhere. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to fix it. The lawn mower is 5 years old and never had a problem with it and the only thing I do is gas it and have changed the oil twice. Thanks for your help, let me know if you need any other information.
Randy

Answer
 Hello Randy:

 1- Remove the Muffler and Inspect the Exhaust Port for Carbon Built up and Blocking the Port. 2- Check the Muffler for Blockage. 3- Have Compression Checked. Do the Exhaust and Muffler First. Let me know what you Find. Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John