Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): black smoke from victa imperial 16 cylinder mower, cylinder mower, victa

Question
John,
Are you able to shed some light on a problem I have with a 1974 Victa Imperial 16" cylinder mower - starts ok but putters and blows a lot of black smoke under full throttle (needed for self propulsion to kick in). If I back it off, the smoke is reduced but the engine speed isn't sufficient to keep the blades running through the thicker grass and thus the self propulsion stops. It is a good mower and I would like to explore the causes of the problem before having the engine replaced.
I would also appreciate any information / manuals etc that you may have for this mower, seems to be a bit thin on the ground here in Oz...
Thanks and I look forward to your reply
James

Answer
 Hello James:

 From your Description it Sounds like the Carburetor is Flooding the Engine at High RPM's. The Black Smoke is a Good Indicator. Clean and Rebuild the Carburetor. Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Gunk Carburetor Cleaner and then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Kit. Send me the Model, Type and Code Numbers Off of the Engine, Please. With these Numbers I can Locate a Breakdown of the Engine and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John