I would check to see if the float has a leak and is filled with gas. Remove it and shake it.

Other than that, it could be other problems.

See this link for more info:

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/lmower/msg061726346162.html

Thanks baymee.
I checked the float and found a dimple in the float and float bowl. The bowl was not punctured but the float was.
I soldered the leak and let the gas that had accumulated in the float evaporate/dry out(beforehand).
I reassembled the mower and mowed the yard.
Thanks again.

Something digfferent has occurred though. The throttle cable does'nt seem to effect the engine speed except in an on/off way. There's no gradual slowing down of the engine. I use the Main Mix screw to adjust engine speed during mowing; the engine seems to change RPM as the heat builds up and will stall out if I don't increase the RPM using the Main screw.
If you have any insights into this problem, I would appreciate your help again. meantime, I'm going to check the linkage and throttle shutter/cable installation.

Thanks,
Jim Julian

Very few mowers use throttle cables anymore. Yours might have a cable because of a choke. If it does, take off the air filter and with the throttle cable at full extension, the choke plate should be closed. Back off the cable to high speed and the choke should now be fully open. With the choke open and the engine warmed up, adjust the jet for smooth RPM. There is no need to go to low speed.

If you have a primer bulb, put the throttle cable in full speed and let it there, even when shutting off.

If you don't have an adjustable jet, maybe your fixed jet (bowl nut) need to be cleaned. Here is a picture of that jet.

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Thanks baymee.

When I got around to working on the mower, I tried the governor adjustment instructions in an on line manual and that solved the problem.
Apparently, the clamp screw had come loose enough to be moved out of position during my disassembly process.

Thanks again for your help.
Jim Julian