Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn Mower Blues, throttle plate, lawn mower

Question
Hi Michael,
I'm having a little issue with my Craftsman 4.25 horse mower,ESP ( Easy Start Performance )rear bagger. Model # 143.024202,engine family 2tpxs.1721ba, displacement 172. Here is the problem, Last weekend when i tried to start the mower it would surge roughly 6 to 8 times then die, when i tried to re-start it would do the same thing, I tried earlier today 9/11/04 it would do the same as before. I'm suspecting a carb problem, possibly dirt. I havent done a thing to it as of yet I wanted to see what you would say first. Please post this on your site.

Thank You,
Chris  

Answer
Hi Chris,

Try pulling slightly on the governor spring that attaches to the carb throttle plate.  If the engine picks up power and smooths out, then I would replace the spring.  If it quits, then I would suspect dirt, debris, water or gummed fuel in the carb.  That would require carb removal, disassembly and cleaning of all the small openings.  Finally, blow it out with compressed air and re-assemble.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael