Carb adjustment issues ?

[IndyFord2]

Been mowin with my 185 for a couple of years. Has never idled right from the day I bought it. Lower you get, more it wants to surge. (My 154 purrs like a kitten) But it runs strong & mows good, have been able to compensate for higher RPM in close quarters because It's got creeper gear. This summer finally started having trouble on high end, under load. Decided to go for it. pulled governor, did find a bit stiff at rocker shaft bracket. (fixed) But no other issues. #1 plug out & cap off for TDC, thought why not. New plugs, wires, cap, roter, cond. & points. All back together could get a good idle BUT only with choke on. (lots) could tell eng. was getting hot, and strong fumes. Pulled carb. cleaned every orifice I could find. (removed all brass seats) Runs slightly better but same issue. with no choke can only get down to around 1100, 1200 RPM. Start choking it down and can bring RPM's lower. Working with low idle screw & throttle plate stop screw. I'm about to the point of buying a new carb. (yes have inspected air filter) Hoping there's a wise old sage out here with a magic wand/keyboard that has answers or at least can point out something I'm missing.

Thanks
IndyFord2

154
IH deck
Floaters

185
Woods deck
Creeper
3 point
Hyd splitter
Floaters

154
In a box

[Eugene]

Suggest starting with a complete engine tune up.

Sounds like low fuel level in the carburetor bowl. Also check the fuel flow to and thru the carburetor.

[BigBill]

What he said... I would spray some ether around the intake gaskets to check for a leak.

[IndyFord2]

As a closure to this issue, W/starting fluid, did find a leak in at the gasket on the carb. Disassembled, new gaskets, same problem. Disassembled again, cleaned all orifices jets etc.. new seats, seals. Same problem. Dropped $200 on a HamilonBobs aftermarket carb. Cured all my problems. Idles where I want it. lots of high RPM's & power. (Carb. even has there name stamped on the lower housing)