Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman riding lawnmower, valve cover gasket, craftsman model

Question
QUESTION: Hi there

I need to replace the head gasket in my lawnmower but it is an over head valve and that over scares me because it is an ver head valve so i was just wondering what that involves, what parts i will need and what the specks are (if any)

the mower is a craftsman
model 9440608041
serial 061898B002215
and the motor is a 14.5 HP brigs and strattin single cylinder
model 287707
type 1255-E1
code 980513ZD

thanks for the help  
Derek

ANSWER: Over head valve means that the valve adjustment will have to be set when taking this apart. You should only need a head gasket and maybe a valve cover gasket. Once you've removed the head clean the gasket off and install the new one and torque the head to 220 in. lb.. Move the engine to TDC on the compression stroke and adjust the valves to .004 intake and .006 exhaust. The rule of thumb on these engines is to adjust the valves tight, not loose.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the help now she runs great

since you did such a great job of answering that question I have another puzler for you.

I have a homelite textron leaf blower that leaks gas out the carburetor and it seams to becoming from inside the carb and it is a diaphragm style carb so the float is not sinking and it onley seams to happen when o prime it or try to start it.
the specks are:
ut No. 08010
ser No. HM2060868
any suggestions appreciated
thanks
Derek  

Answer
The carburetor on this unit still has a needle valve and a check valve. If there is any contamination in the fuel, or it has been sitting with fuel in it for any amount of time, one of these could be sticking open. This could allow fuel to free flow in this manner. I hope this helps, and thank you for kind words from the last question.