Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Carb float full of liquid on lawnmower engine, float carburetor, briggs stratton

Question
My Briggs Stratton 5.75 HP lawnmower engine has gas leaking profusely from the primer bulb hole and out the carb on the air filter side. I've removed the bowl from the carburetor and the float is 90% full of fluid. The fluid won't leak out at all, so no evidence of how it got in there...is it supposed to be in there or is the float supposed to be empty? It barely floats in a cup of gasoline but it does float a little. Could this be causing the gas leaking by keeping the needle valve open?

Answer
Hello David, your type of carburetor is one of the oldest in carburetor design. The reason why it is called a float carburetor is the fuel in the fuel bowl is maintained by a float controlled valve.What I would do if you know this is an old carburetor is rebuild it; reason being is that you more than likely have gaskets that are in need of repair etc. It takes air and fuel to make an engine run.