Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Lawn Tractor, craftsman lawn tractor, cylender

Question
Tom,
I own a 15.5 HP 42" Lawn Tractor Model # 917.272353.  This spring, It would try and crank, however even jumping it would not make it turn completely over.  I pulled ther spark plug and lots of gas came out of the cylender.  Cleaned the plug and replaced.  Started  right up.  Next week, same issue.  Cylender fills with gas.  There is no way to clean out the carb bowl as there is some sort of electric plug at the bottom and no way that I can see to get the bowl off.  Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Henry

Answer
The problem you have is a carburetor issue. The needle and seat in the carb are not sealing when the bowl is filled, causing the fuel to spill over first into the intake manifold, then into the cylinder. If you check your oil I would imagine it is over full, and smells of fuel, as it will go past the rings and into the crankcase. At the bottom of the carb is a fuel shut-off solenoid. It is key activated, and closes off fuel to the main jet when the mower is turned off to eliminate shut down backfires. To remove it you must take a 1/2" wrench and grind the sides down to make it thin enough to squeeze in between the solenoid itself, and the fuel bowl. Cleaning out the bowl isn't going to help the problem it needs a full rebuild, with the needle and seat changed out..........Tom