Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Older lawnmowers, principle works, carbuerator

Question
Hi George,
    I am here in Olympia, Wa with an older Tecumseh 3.5 h.p. that has been left out in the weather for who knows how long. It is mounted to drive a 20" Lawn Chief Model 51 lawnmower.  I took the head cover off and cleaned the inside of cylinder and the two valves/seats, changed the oil, flushed the fuel tank, pulled the carbuerator and dumped the float bowl.  This is my first "rescue" and I need to know the basics, moreso how the whole governor/throttle principle works because none of the linkages on this motor were connected.  BTW magneto works good and I have had it running but it backfires a lot and won't throttle up w/o flooding out.  I would appreciate any response to point me in the right direction.
Thanks a bunch,
Scott  

Answer
SCOTT, I AM GOING TO BE TRUTHFUL WITH YOU OUTBOAR MOTORS IS MY FIELD OF EXPERTISE.  HOWEVER WHAT I WOULD DO, IS GO TO THE LIBRARY AND SEE IF I COULD FIND A BOOK WITH A TECHUMSEH MOTOR CLOSE TO THE MODEL OF YOURS WHICH WOULD SHOW THE PLACEMENT OF THE LINKAGES AND SUCH.  I FEEL AS THOUGH YOUR IGNITION TIMING (POINTS) IS THE PROBLEM THOUGH.
I WISH I COULD BE OF MOR HELP TO YOU.
TRY THE TECHUMSEH WEB SITE TOO.
GEORGE