Craftsman 6.5 HP model 917.377543?

Ok I had this uh problem that was immediately followed by another. It starts up fine, usually 1st pull but then would idle sort of back and forth at a very low speed, then die (within 30 seconds). Pushing the fuel bulb before it would die would make it rev up for a second or two, then die again.I took off the spring and throttle link, cleaned that whole inside area in and around throttle adjustment out real nice, then put it all back on. now it will start right up and run at the highest possible RPM (sounds like it will blow the H$%L up!)and I can't get it adjusted back down. So somewhere in between I've tweaked SOMETHING in the completely other direction. Just can't figure out what.