Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman 7 horse rear tine tiller model 917.294270, rear tine tiller, warm soapy water

Question
I recently bought this tiller, put fresh gas & spark plug in. It starts up fine, runs & sounds great, but when I engage the tines, it stops running. I noticed when I drained the old gas it didn't come out as fast as I think it might should do. Could it be that the gas line shut off valve (factory) is defective? Also, when I try to go from fast to slow on the throttle cable it doesn't want to idle down. It's either fast or stop. Any ideas?

Answer
randy
Sounds like the carb is all gummed up. You will need to take this carb apart and clean it.To check the gas valve empty the fuel from the tank remove the tank and clean the inside with warm soapy water and then check the shut off. That is the best way to rebuild a carburetor because if you rebuild and use the same gas in the tank you may clog the carb again.