Lawn Boy (Honda engine) second startup issue?

[TechieSooner]

Ive got a Lawn Boy self propelled mower with a Honda GCV160 engine.

All last year it surged but kept working. This year I scalped my yard, ran out of gas, and after refilling it wouldn't start back again.

I've measured out the proper oil capacity and changed oil.
I've gone through two spark plugs (just in case that was it- the first new one was black dirty after one use, not sure if that is normal).
Bought a new air filter.
And just replaced the carburetor and gaskets (YouTube video).

After doing the carburetor replacement it fired up first shot. No surging. I thought I was good. I shut it off... Tried to fire it up again and the surging is back. I can play with the choke a bit but in either open or closed it'll do it.

I'm no mechanic so I'm not sure what's wrong. Is it just time for a new one? Or Worth repairing? Is there anything a non mechanic can try?

 

[Grassbandit]

Ive got a Lawn Boy self propelled mower with a Honda GCV160 engine.

All last year it surged but kept working. This year I scalped my yard, ran out of gas, and after refilling it wouldn't start back again.

I've measured out the proper oil capacity and changed oil.
I've gone through two spark plugs (just in case that was it- the first new one was black dirty after one use, not sure if that is normal).
Bought a new air filter.
And just replaced the carburetor and gaskets (YouTube video).

After doing the carburetor replacement it fired up first shot. No surging. I thought I was good. I shut it off... Tried to fire it up again and the surging is back. I can play with the choke a bit but in either open or closed it'll do it.

I'm no mechanic so I'm not sure what's wrong. Is it just time for a new one? Or Worth repairing? Is there anything a non mechanic can try?

I'd consder the following.
Is there a fuel filter? Perhaps its clogged and needs replacing. In addition, maybe the gas cap vent needs to be cleaned.

 

[TechieSooner]

I'd consder the following.
Is there a fuel filter? Perhaps its clogged and needs replacing. In addition, maybe the gas cap vent needs to be cleaned.

There doesn't appear to be a fuel filter on the GCV160- I can't find a part anywhere online for that so I don't think it exists.

I've tried running it with the gas cap off and it does't seem to make a difference.