Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Runs but not well., mtd black smoke, carburetor

Question
I have a MTd model#1-3a6673G118 and the engine model is tecumseh OHV155 204509E.I have had this mower for a while but its been out of commission for the reason being that the engine pulley was broke,its been sitting for 2 years  now but i got it put back together.So when it starts it runs at idle fine.But when i ither give it more gas or engage the blades it starts blowing black smoke and putts.I then have to put it at low idle and start over.I took the carb off and took it apart and soaked it over night in carb cleaner and still runs the same.I did not see any adjustments on the carb ither.Any thing would be helpfull.I called about a new carb and its 88 bucks.Thanks

Answer
Did you replace the air filter?

It sounds like you may have a needle that's not seating or a misadjusted float.  Did you use a new carb kit when you reassembled it?

You may need a new carburetor as well.  If there was any corrosion in the carb, I wouldn't even bother with it myself.

Does this have the carburetor with the plastic float bowl and the metal clip?  Or is it the one with the plastic fuel nozzle?  The one with the plastic bowl and the flat bottom gets scrapped in my shop about 75% of the time.  If it has the plastic fuel nozzle and two O-rings, the O-rings are very bad about leaking and causing your problem.

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