Hi, I just saw this post. I don't know if my problem is identical, but its driving me crazy. I have an older 14sb (green) It starts first pull runs fine for a few minutes (3-5) then dies down and almost out, slight backfires through carb. I have done the following. removed fuel tank, screen and cleaned. I have replaced fuel line and added filter. Replaced plug and air filter. I have rebuild the carb 2 times. I have replaced the carb with one found on ebay. I have changed the coil with one purchased on ebay. Unfortunately the wrong model coil. I tried to make it work and it hardly ran. My question is .. what is this little square box on the side connected to the coil? I thought it was a condenser. All it says is Japan on it. Can this be the problem.

Thanks for the reply. I never did get around to taking the tank off but did already pull the jet mentioned and cleaned it with wire and more carb cleaner without success. I just didn't want to put anymore time and money into it especially since it seemed the transmission might be starting to go. And I somehow got a sore ligament at my elbow that might be from my moving the mower around working on it (that still haven't healed now a few months later). Honda had a one-year extended warranty offer at the time so I bought the $399 model at the local H D store. Glad I did, quieter, lighter and easier to maneuver than the John Deere. And it mulches better and doesn't accumulate clippings under the deck like the Deere does. With the Deere, I'd have to scrap under the deck with a putter knife after almost every mow, and that's when my grass is dry to the touch. Only thing with the Honda is I have to get used to the hand padels self-propel speed control. It's good for on the go speed adjustments, but the down side is it does take more effort to keep a constant speed, especially with my lumpy lawn often bumping my mower a little up and down. And I have to restart it every time I let go of the handle. But it's a lot cheaper than the Deere that cost me $700 back in 1995, will have to see how long it last. Overall I like the Honda better and will try to sell the Deere for parts.

1) You will have to confirm that the cable is actually moving the lever on the transmission. If it does, likely the issue is internal. 2)It is really common on these for the adjustment to slip. Watch the choke shaft or note its position with your finger as you position the cable.

Great mower! Replacing the drive cable is kind of annoying compared to the other mowers I own. The transmission end of the cable is held in place by the belt guide bracket that is under the drive pulley. You'll have to remove the pulley to get at the two bolts holding the guide bracket in place. Remove the bracket and the cable should be free. Before removing the bracket, you should see a small spring toward the carb side of the mower. You need to carefully remove that spring before loosening the bracket.