Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 16.5 briggs & stration motor, briggs stration, needle valve

Question
I have a riding mower with a 16.5 briggs motor. I used it all last year and it worked fine I went to use it this year and I got 1 swipe and it cut off and blow out a huge cloud of white smoke. i would crank it back up and it would run as long has i didnt engage the blades. Finally it work good after letting it run for about 30 mins. The next time i went to use it would turn over but wouldnt crank. I checked the oil and the oil smells like gas. Is it the needle and the seat on the carb.

Answer
Yes, leaking needle valve.  Remove, dis-assemble and clean the carb with compressed air from an air compressor.

Replace inlet needle valve/seat.

Change oil, re-fill.

That's all there is to it, about 1 hour in the shop, 1.5-3 hours at home.

Eric