Wheel Horse Mower w/ Kohler Engine Problem

I just bought an older Wheel Horse riding mower w/ a Kohler CV16S (V-twin w/ Nikki carb). It has been running rough and one hole is oiling. I plan to rebuild it this winter if it will wait. Today it will run only with full choke and low throttle. At full speed and full choke it starts ok and then dies. It will not start or run at all with less than full choke. Any help is appreciated.

 

OK - It looks like I am going to be able answer my own question. I will pass on what I learned in case it helps others. The Nikki carburetor on my old Kohler has a fuel shut-off solenoid in the fuel bowl that is there to prevent backfire upon full-throttle shut-off. Mine had failed and was starving the engine for fuel. I removed the solenoid plunger and DID NOT re-connect the red wire upon reassembly. Solenoid coils will get very hot if powered without an armature (plunger) in place. I will run my tractor for a while without replacing the solenoid and decide whether to replace it or clip the wire. The rough idle condition mentioned in my earlier post is also cured.