Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 8HP B&S Govenor, crank shaft, briggs stratton

Question
Sir's,
I have 8HP Briggs & Stratton Synchro Ballanced Model 28B707-1164-E1 with a  S# of 971209ZA. (vertical)

I Recently experianced large amounts of Fuel entering the crank case and then forced up through the breather tube into the air cleaner cavity. The motor then would not start and acted as if it was locked up. The only way I could get it to turn, was if I would turn the flywheel by hand in reverse and then it would turn a couple of times and lock up again.  I tore the motor down and noticed the Govenor was not resting on the control lever. Instead it was swinging freely and binding on the crank shaft. The Govenor and its componet's all seem to be intact and there are no loose parts in the case.

Question, what caused this and how can I prevent it in the future.

Thank you


Answer
Friend, I believe if you look at the bottom(sump) cover, you will find it is made so the governor will stay exactly where it goes. If you had this fuel problem, it sounds to me like a carburetor problem. What generally happens is the needle sticks causing fuel to flow into the bowl, up through the air circuits in the carburetor into the throat, filling the air cleaner cavity into the intake, the head, the breather and the cylinder.