Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): BS 422707, spark plug wire, fly wheel

Question
Eric,

I have a engine that runs fine except when put under load, it will not come back up to speed.  With mower blades engaged and on a slight incline the Snapper zero turn radius mower will stall out.

I read your note about checking the carb float.  I have checked it twice and each time the bowl is about half full.  With top of carb off, the fuel pump is working.  I replace both full line and vaccum line to carb fuel pump.  I have remove and reinstall an inline fuel filter with no affect.  With air cleaner off the carb has excess fuel when at full throttle.  If you place your hand close to the cab barrel it comes away wet with fuel.

What is wrong here?  This started to happen last fall and I removed the fly wheel thinking the key may be cut, this was not the case.  Same problem this spring.

Your thoughts please.

Thanks in advance,
Art  

Answer
Have you checked the govern system and governor spring?  Sometimes dirt/debris collects in this area preventing the governor from working.  Also, make sure the governor arm and carb shaft are not wore too much.  Cleaning the parts very thoroughly will help identify wear.

Are both cylinders firing?  You can run the engine, remove one spark plug wire at a time and see if the engine performance degrades.  If it does then you know each cylinder is firing.

Let me know what you find.
Eric