Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn tractor with starting problems, throttling problems,, throttle lever, throttle plate

Question
I own a Murray tractor,18 hp with a Kohler engine. We had the carb completely rebuilt last summer from the inside out but we are still having problems with the tractor. We can push the throttle lever up and down but the idling stays the same(low). They only way we can get the tractor to start is to spray gas directly into the carb. Yesterday the tractor started fine and when I turned it off and then restarted the mowerin a few minutes  the engine raced and I couldn't get it to throttle down. So I had to turn the engine off. When I tried to restart the mower it wouldn't go any faster than low idle. Now it won't start at all unless we spray gas into the carb as I stated before. However as soon as we turn it off it won't start again. Help!!

Answer
Hi Jan,

Check the carb-to-engine mounting screws to see if they are loose.  Then look into the carb intake throat, (Inside the air filter) and check to see if the throttle plate opens and closes as you open and close the throttle lever.  If these things are okay, then I would suspect internal carb problems again.  If you can't disassemble and inspect the carb, you will need to either bring it back to where you had the work done or to another place for repair.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael