I have a Sears riding mower with a 17hp intek 311707. I suddenly lost power while mowing and will not run at full speed. I replaced plug, air & fuel filters and cleaned all carb passages. The fuel solenoid clicks and , when unplugged, seems to allow the engine to run faster, although momentarily, before stalling. I also cleaned a mouse (who had perished) from emerging from under the flywheel and all its home building supplies from cooling fins. I have not removed the flywheel. Is it possible my late friend could have damaged things under the flywheel while still allowing the engine to run slowly, or do I follow the other posts and go after valve adjustments?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Your little friend may have had little ones. Its worth pulling the flywheel and inspecting. Does your throttle linkage still fully open the throttle, it may have slipped. Check the cable.