[Fred's 123]

The 123 I bought last August has been a real workhorse. Used several hours every week (actually, a few hours every day this time of year), it has run flawlessly for me. Only major work on it in my year of ownership has been splitting the tractor to rebuild the speed control and replace the seal between the hydro and rear.

That was until this week, when it started running real rough. First noticed it backfiring when I'd throttle down to idle. Next day, had trouble starting it, and keeping it running without the choke on a bit when cold. Normally, I can pull the choke out to fire it, and then push the choke all the way in as soon as she's running, but not this week. I have to keep it choked a bit for a few minutes to keep it from stalling now. Also noticed the governer working a lot more than normal (not holding consistent RPM), and a lack of power pulling heavy loads up a hill.

Primary use at the moment is hauling dirt and mulch, and then idling while I fill or unload the tractor. I recently replaced the fuel bowl filter, float valve, and float bowl gaskets, which I don't believe to be related, but I'm listing for the sake of completeness. Also, I have a slight exhaust leak at the clamp between the muffler and elbow, which has always been the case, but again listing for completeness. All else seems healthy.

It's entirely possible this is just some bad gas, but I'm using the same fuel in my Deere 757, which is running just fine.

Any ideas? I do see the little cam on top of the throttle shaft on top of the carb is very loose and wobbly, but again, it's always been so, and never been a problem before. Primary problem is I need to use this tractor nearly every day this time of year, and can't be without it too long.

Thanks!