Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere JA 62 Lawn mower, paper filter, gas tank

Question
Last cutting season my John Deere JA 62 lawn mower started cutting out, backfiring and stalling. It restarts,and I manage to get the yard finished, but I would really like to get it running correctly. I checked and clean the gas tank (in case of moisture) and I checked the plug which looked good. It is still running poorly. Thanks for your expert advise, I hope to hear from you soon.

Answer
Likely there is some moisture or dirt in the carb, but first do this.

See if you can get it started, then while it is running, remove the air filter.  If the engine's running improves at all, then you
know you need a new air filter and maybe a plug.  A paper filter
can look fine, but not let air pass, and make the engine run poorly.

  But, if you have dirt or moisture in the carb, remove the nut on the bottom of the carb, and see what dribbles out, water will
bead up in the gas on the deck.  Look carefully at the nut, if it has any small holes in it, clean them out.  Reinstall, and see if
that cures your problem.  Let me know, if moisture set in it over
the winter, you may to do a more thorough cleaning.  Also, if you could find the model numbers on the engine, so I know what you have.

Thanks,

  Fish