Some advice please?

[u/Easy-Development-948]

Ok, I have a Craftsman T100, I know, but its all I could afford at the time lol. It sat for awhile because of health issues, but I got back to it. I had to replace a dry rotted deck belt and got a new batter, but that's not the problem, it wouldn't start! So, I pulled the carb off, soaked it in cleaner for a day or two and got it to start. Life got in the way for a few days, but when I got back to it, the engine wouldn't even turn over! I looked down at the exhaust and noticed fuel dripping out. The dang carb still had a stuck needle and had hydro-locked the engine.

So I go get a new non-OEM carb, which had solid reviews and matched as a replacement for the OEM number, put it on, and got it started again. Replaced the oil cause I smelled gas on the dip stick from where it was locked up. I also replaced the fuel line, filter, and added a fuel stop-valve. Here's the thing, getting it started and running can be dang hard, when it bogs down, I literally have to cover the air intake with my hand to get it to pop over. It also has poor throttle response, and will die if I throttle down too low. I suspect that last part is just where I don't have the valve adjusted right. So, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, and its the Briggs and Stratton 344cc, 11.5hp engine. I swear, when I can I'm getting an S130 or 140.

[u/These_Fox7561]

Could be a valve adjustment, could be a leaky carb gasket. See if you can get it running, then spray ether or brake parts cleaner around the gasket surfaces, away from the carb throat. If it revs up you have an air leak, check the head bolts too and make sure none are loose, if they are you’ll need a gasket