Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I'm looking for some help on diagnosing the problem(s) I'm having with my Troy-bilt 17.5hp, 7-speed riding mower. I bought it from Lowe's in the summer of 2007. It's the "Pony" model. I don't have the specific model number with me, but can get it if it helps.

OK, to make a long story short, I made a big mistake by turning the mower on it's side to access the deck. One of the hair clips holding the deck on came off the last time I mowed. I know I should have taken the time to following the manual's instructions for removing the deck, but I didn't. So, let's get past that. After flipping the mower back over and starting it, it nows sputters, spits, coughs and smokes like a retired, lonely miner.

I did an oil change, replaced the air cleaner, replaced the spark plug, replaced the fuel filter and we're still having problems. Now, I will say that the engine is running a lot better than it did when I first flipped it back over. It still spits and sputters, but has less smoke. Someone here at my work has suggested that I probably need to clean or replace the carburetor since it probably has oil in it. Thoughts? He also said that the oil could have moved into the crankcase into the pistons. Is that possible?

Here's the second part to my question. The mower is extremely slow. Is this completely because of the ailing engine or could this be a drive belt problem also? Like I said, I was originally having problems with the deck, so could I have stretched a belt or something by flipping it over?

I understand that without physically inspecting the mower, I may not be able to get a true answer, but some input would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!