Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower will not stay running, cutting blade, pipe cleaner

Question
Mark,

I have a John Deere 14SB 5hp walk behind mower which is self-propelled.  I noticed over the last several weeks the mower sounded as if it wanted to stall out while operating but it never would.  

The last time I cut my lawn, the only way I could keep the mower running was to keep the choke on continuously.  The mower will start but when I engage the cutting blade the engine stalls out.  I suspect sometype of carb problem but I am no mechanic.  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Nathan

Answer
Hello Nathan,
Im sorry but you must try to fix this problem. And dont worry you dont need mechanics to fix this. All you have to do is take off the carb, soak it in gasoline and clean out all the small holes in the carb bowl. Clean them by using a pipe cleaner and if you would like compressed air(optional). Then re-soak for 30 minutes and re install. Good Luck. Hope this helps.