Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B/S 17hp twin, briggs carburetor

Question
 Only runs with choke half way out. Thought there might be dirt in carb. There was and rust. Used compressed air and carb cleaner took it off 4 times. Still runs the same. The last time put silicone on manifold to head. Do fuel pumps go out? Fuel tank is higher than engine. Its on a Yard Man riding mower.   ????????????????

Answer
Fuel pumps do go bad.  If there's corrosion in the carb, then odds are that you'll need a new carb.  We don't bother cleaning corroded carburetors as once they start to corrode, they won't stop.  You can probably get it running smoothly by soaking the carb in cleaner for an hour or more or having it cleaned ultra-sonically.  But the problem will likely return.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.