Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman LT1000 Starting issue, craftsman lt1000 riding mower, briggs stratton engine

Question
Eric,

I have a Craftsman LT1000 riding mower with 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine Model 31C707-0230-E1.  I charged my battery for the first time this seasn and my mower started just fine and mowed the lawn one time.  This week when I engage the electric start it would spin slowly maybe for 1 revolution then stop.  I though it was the battery.  Re-charged and still same thing.  I decided to take the spark plug out and alot of gas came out.  With the spark plug removed and engaged the electric start and the engine spun like it should when starting and gas shot out the spark plug hole.  I let the mower sit for a while and gas did not continue to leak out.  So, I replaced the spark plug and tried starting the mower. It started right up.  What could the problem be here:

1.) Is the carburator needle valve sticking at times and gas fills the cylinder up causing a compression issue.

2.) Do I have a timming issue?

3.) Is it safe to continue to use the mower until I can get in the shop. Our local shop is running about 2-3 weeks out right now and the grass is growing quick in our part of the land.

4.) Is this something that I can take care off?

Lastly, the mower will not slow idle.  It will die on slow idle.

Answer
1.) Is the carburator needle valve sticking at times and gas fills the cylinder up causing a compression issue.
  Yes...it's cammonly called hydro-lock.

2.) Do I have a timming issue?
     No.

3.) Is it safe to continue to use the mower until I can get in the shop. Our local shop is running about 2-3 weeks out right now and the grass is growing quick in our part of the land.
     No...unless you change the oil, refill with new oil and SHUT-OFF the fuel when you are not using the mower.  The old oil is thinned by the gas that got into the engine...it will not lubricate the engine...change and REFILL with NEW OIL!!!  Install a fuel shut-off valve if you do not have one.  You can run the mower for ever as long as you SHUT-OFF the fuel when you are not using the mower.

4.) Is this something that I can take care off?

    Do you have an air compressor and a some basic hand tools.  If so, then yes.  If you have the Walbro carb you can replace the seat but I'd only recommend replacing the inlet needle.  Just an inlet need on the Nikki carb.

Lastly, the mower will not slow idle.  It will die on slow idle.

     Classic symptom of dirty carb.  If you remove, dis-assemble the carb and clean with compressed air from an air compressor it will probably fix the problem.  If you do not have an air compressor you can try using some spray can carburetor cleaner...usually works.

Make sure you change the oil before runnin the engine.

Eric