Hi Norm,
Much thanks for the reply and advice. I'll give it a try and see how I go, worst case scenario as you say I will replace the entire carb. Is odd I've only run the mower perhaps 5mins since I got it, the previous owner didn't strike me as very careful with it - and alas I don't know if I'll even be able to use it properly here on my property anyway such is the luck of 2nd hand buys.
Stumbled across the following document, which seems relevant for this area - hopefully it assists others as these are popular models:
Honda GXV160 Carb Troubleshooter pdf
