Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine dies, spark plug gap, carburetor body

Question
I have a Craftsman 6.75HP Eager-1 self-propelled lawn mower(model #917.377593) Engine Mod.#143996704 . three pumps on the primer bulb and it starts on the first pull runs for a few seconds then dies, I cleaned the carb., and blew it out, tried it again and it did the same but would run longer as it got warmer. Then after about 10 tries it ran with a pulsating rpm. my question is... what is the spark plug gap on this eng. i cant find it anywhere. And do you think soaking the carb., in carb. cleaner, will fix my problem?

Answer
Hello Elton:

A Small Engine Carburetor is Not Really Clean Unless it is Soaked Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner and then the Passages Blown Out with Compressed Air. From your Description of the Problem and from Looking at the Breakdown of the Engine, 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, Float Pin, 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. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf For a Breakdown of the Mower or Engine, Go to this Site Addy; http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers (917.377593 for the Mower or 143.996704 for the Engine) in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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