Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 18hp B&S - Hard Starting andd Running, small engine mechanic, throttle shaft

Question
Hi John,
Still trying to get this engine to start and run good. As you suggested, I removed the heads,checked valves and they are not sticking, cleaned carbon off heads,pistons and valves, adjusted both carb screws to 1 1/2 turns, replaced all springs on intregal fuel pump. Finally was able to get engine to start but it was racing very high. Also as I was trying to start it it was spitting gas out the  throat of the carb. Is this normal? I had to immediately stop the choke as it started. Should I clean the carb again or replace it? Runs strong when it starts but is still very hard to just catch it. Please advise on how to proceed. Getting closer but very frustrating. Thanks for your patience.

Answer
Hello Kevin:

No Worries. I will be Here Until we Get this Problem Solved. 1 Thing though. Now you are Seeing What a Small Engine Mechanic can Run Into Sometimes Trying to Get Small Engines to Run Properly. LOL. Ok. Now, Did you Remove the Governor Arm from the Governor Shaft when you Removed the Carburetor for Cleaning? If Yes, then the Internal Governor Must Be Reset. Loosen the Governor Arm from the Governor Shaft and Turn the Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops. Holding the Governor Shaft; Push or Pull the Governor Arm So the Carburetor Throttle Valve is Full Open and Tighten the Governor Arm Onto the Governor Shaft. When Any 4 Cycle Engine is Not Running the Throttle Shaft will be a Full Open. There will be Some Gas Spitting Back into the Carburetor and Once the Engine is Running, you can Set the Air Mixture Screws Properly and the Gas Spitting Back should Become Minimal. Also if the Internal Governor was Not Set, then the Engine Will be Hard to Start as the Carburetor Throttle Valve is Not Being Held in the Full Open Position by the Governor when the Engine is Not Running. I Suggest to Everyone, Put the Engine Throttle Lever on the Mower to Mid Range and Then Start the Engine. Then Throttle Back to Idle Once the Engine has Started. Set the Governor and then we can go from there. From your Description, it Sounds like that is the Problem. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John