I have run a Jo beau with the Honda 24hp engine since 2005, during its first 18 months we had nothing but trouble with the problems you describe. There should be a filter on a breather on the carb, mine was missing. This is not obvious as the breather looks exactly the same as the many blanked off casting holes on the carb, but it does draw **** in especially if you chip dead wood. Remove carb from the engine and pour petrol through it , where it drips out there is your breather hole. It is difficult to clean that carb fully by stripping I would recommend putting it through a sonic cleaner, large workshops have these. Once you have a clean carb get a filter on the breather, end of problem. On the rare occasion it has played up since tip some redex in the tank, seems to be a miracle cure. I hope this has been some help . For further advice 07941149873
