[Twisted_Steel]

Craftsman 50" mower, 22.5 HP Kohler Command.
Runs strong with the choke pulled 3/4 of the way out. It spits, sputters then dies when pushing choke down/off. Only see one adjustment screw on top of the carb and it doesn't help alot unless choke is pulled up. Any other adjustment we're missing?
Model # 917 259000
Serial # 011597C. 001031

Help a brother out.. specifically, my brother.

 

[win38mag]

remove float !!!! bowl clean the **** out ......or remove carb and clean the jets and bleed ports.......add seafoam to the 93 octane new gass and when it starts run it at 1/2 throttle for 15- 20 minutes . !!!
...

 

[tomw0]

Symptoms are pointing towards restricted fuel flow. The choke helps pull more fuel from the float bowl as the air is restricted raising the vacuum inside the carb. Likely junk in the float bowl as win38 hinted. Could be a blob of 'stuff' partially plugging the main jet.
If you have a ABF solenoid on the bottom of the float bowl, it could also be gummed and not allowing full fuel flow. In short, clean up time.
tom

 

[Alien5044]

Adjusting idle or fuel air mixture screws won't solve the problem and likely make things worse. Remove the carb carefully disassemble it, (take a lot of pics ror reassembly if you are unfamiliar with the carb ) and thoroughly clean it internally including its jets and passages. A spray can of carb cleaner with the little hose on it should do the job in clearing passages. Get all of them. Be sure all gaskets are sealing upon reinstall. Inspect fuel hoses and replace if old or hardened, and for sure, change the fuel filter.

 

[Twisted_Steel]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like the carb was butchered by the PO. Damaged needle and seat, bent butterfly, etc. Found a replacement for a decent price. Should be here in about a week.

 

[Alien5044]

Yep, PO damage can't be accounted for. Best to start over with a known carb. Good choice!

 

[Twisted_Steel]

Good news. Replaced the carb with a new one. Now she purrs like a kitten at idle and growls like a lion at full throttle.
Money well spent

 

[dave_r]

thanks for coming back and posting that it fixed the problem.