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I got a new to me MTD riding mower with the 12.5 powerbuilt engine. I am putting it back together after cleaning out the carb and I wanted to ask about the throttle valve.

With the throttle control all the way open, the valve is open all the way. With the throttle control closed all the way (slow) the valve does not close all the way.

Is this normal? Im thinking engine vaccum will pull it the rest of the way shut? Its loose at that, doesnt take much effort to move it it back where it contacts the throttle stop screw....but the speed control alone will not close it all the way.

I included a pic so you can see which setup I have on this mower

Thanks for any input!

Well, if it shut all the way, it wouldn't run...

Which is why the "low idle" screw prevents the throttle from closing....