Craftsman mower rough idle / poor power / only runs at half choke

[jameslr]

I have a Craftsman riding mower with a 19 hp briggs and stratton model 407777-0124-e1. It is about 10-12 years old and I'm the second owner. The problem is the mower will run, but only at half choke. Even at half choke it sounds like it's about to die, and if I go through any grass high enough it will die. Any ideas?

 

[ILENGINE]

Running at half choke basically says that the carb is gummed up, and needs a good cleaning. If that doesn't take care of the problem, then make sure you have spark on both cylinders, and the valve clearances are set correctly.

 

[jeffery gile]

Running at half choke basically says that the carb is gummed up, and needs a good cleaning. If that doesn't take care of the problem, then make sure you have spark on both cylinders, and the valve clearances are set correctly.

Well bub that sounds like the carb needs to be cleand out or needs to be re adjusted.

 

[motoman]

Further on the weak engine. Do plugs show black fluff on tip? If you can, check compression while you're adjusting the valves