Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): roto tiller, briggs stratton, adjustment screws

Question
Hello Sir,
I have a general question about this small engine. Sorry, I do not have the tiller here right at this moment and don't have the engine specs. It is a Yard machine brand tiller with a Briggs & Stratton 5.5 hp motor on it. Last year it wasn't running and I sprayed the heck out of the carb with carb cleaner. After much tinkering and spraying, it ran fine. Then it sat this past Winter and now it is up to it's old tricks. I can start it on full choke and it will run for about a minute then die. Then I start it and quickly switch the choke full off, it runs clean for a minute then the governour starts kicking in and moving back and forth. I quickly put the choke back on full and it catches itself and runs, loping erratically up and down, for a few minutes. Eventually it dies and I start the process over. At last try, it has to be started w/full choke then immediately switched full off choke and runs smooth. If I leve the choke full on, it will do the same. It seems like it will go for a minute or two fine then the governor is doing something to it making it flop. Can you give me some pointers to try? It feels like the more it runs the better it will get, but I tinkered with it for an hour and still not running long by itself. Thanks alot.

Answer
Hello Mike:

Spray Cleaners are Good for Some Carburetors, However I have Discovered Over the Years that to Actually Clean a Small Engine Carburetor you have to Soak the Carburetor to Clean it. I Suggest you  **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** Your Problem is a Restricted Passage or Jet in the Carburetor Body and Doing this will Assure No Problems with the Carburetor Operation for a Few Seasons. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Unit at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (XXXXXX) and Type Numbers (XXXX) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John