I got a 2004 Ariens Zoom34. I had the deck leveled etc. I was noticing odd level cuts, heard my engine might not be runnin fast enough. Turns out that & uneven tire pressure seems to be the blame. I have a slower time starting it btw also, but I noticed at idle & high idle it is okay (I even popped the air filter plastic off to check throttle movement from inside the carb). It works fine but only at running speed is the throttle actually wide open. When I put it in full throttle, the plate closes back up as the screw pushes & makes contact with the linkages on the carb. Here's a picture with throttle lever in the groove at running speed, again full throttle closes it back up & its bogs down or will die under blade running. Help