Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): needle/gasket/Success, engine crankcase, oil level

Question
QUESTION: I was watching a Utube video with this guy redoing his carb.  I suddednly realized that the little red gasket is not the bowl gasket but the seal that fits on the end of the needle.  I once again took the carb apart.  I took at light out at shinbed it into the needle chamber - and sure enough there was one of those little gaskets down in the needle chamber.  I dug the old one out - and inserted the new in - the one that came with the needle in the B&S package.  Put the whole thing back together again.  Then pressed the primer bulb - something different happened - it was squirting gas into the carb - pretty exciting.  Put some more gas in the tank and SUCCESS - the mower started up and ran perfectly.  I now know a lot more about B&S carbs than I really hoped for.

ANSWER: Did you install the inlet needle seat with the groove down per the directions?

Eric

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QUESTION: I misplaced the package the needle/seat was in.  I remember that there was some instructions in the package.  The mower looks really bad - sitting out in the elements for "who knows how long".  I'm going to repaint everything. Thanks for your help. The mower is a 6 speed Ryobi with a 6 speed trans and rear drive and all that works.  Got the mower for free so it was worth the effort.

ANSWER: Just keep an eye on the oil level...check it everytime!  Many times those Briggs carb are prone to leaking fuel past the inlet needle seat and then the gas enters the engine crankcase thinning the oil...thus no lubrication.  Very common problem but not a big deal as long as you check the oil every time.  One solution many mower owner's request is to install a fuel shut-off valve.  Then they just shut off the fuel when they are done mowing and do not have to worry about gas leaking in the engine crankcase.

Other than that it is a great engine...one of my favorites.

Eric

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QUESTION: Installing a fuel shut-off valve sounds like a good idea.  I'll see if I can round one up.  Thanks again Eric.
Ron

Answer
Many hardware, autoparts and mower stores carry the valves.  You can get them as inline straight or 90 degree bend versions.

http://www.madisontractor.com/b1sb5841-fuel-shut-off-valve-1-4-in-line-58942.htm

I use these shut-off valves on my mowers.

Eric