Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 18 hp. B&S only runs wide open with full choke, fuel air mixture, fresh oil

Question
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Followup To
Question -
We have a 1991 Craftsman garden tractor with an 18 hp. B&S engine.  It ran perfectly last season, but when I used it this season, it would only  run with the choke completely closed.  With the choke closed, there is no throttle control available- it seems to run wide open all the time, regardless of the throttle settting.  It also seems to lack power and bogs down some under load, (intermittent).
I blew a bunch of junk out of the fuel filter, and it seems to be clear of obstruction.
What would you suggest I look at next?
p.s.- it has good plugs, fresh oil and fresh gas.
Thanks in advance,
Erich
Answer -
Have you inspected the air filter?

Try running the engine will the air filter/cover off.  don't actually use the mower with the cover removed, just see if it will run with the choke off while the filter/cover is removed.

Let me know the results.
Eric

Hi-
Thanks for the response.  The filter and prefilter are both brand new at the end of last season and are clean.  I did try running the engine with the ffilter/cover off before I submitted my original question, ( more to watch the operation of the choke than anything else), but it doesn't make any difference in the running of the engine.
Thanks,
Erich

Answer
Either an intake gasket is loose, rare, or there is something (debris) in the carburetor.

To repair the tractor the carburetor will need to be removed, disassembled and cleaned.

Your carburetor is fairly simple to clean and there are very few adjustments; normally just the fuel/air mixture.

Do you have an air compressor and some basic sockets/wrenches?

Let me know.
Eric