Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Gas shooting from carburetor, ohv engine, power washer

Question
Hello John,
I am working on a Murray with a Briggs 17.5 hp OHV engine.  It is model #311777, type 0162-E1, code 0101 24ZE.  It ran fine until it was washed with a power washer.  After getting the engine wet the mower was started and appeared to run fine.  The mower was set outside when I noticed gasoline was running out from under the air cleaner.  Took off the air cleaner and it was full of fuel and running out.  It is equipped with an antifire plunger on the carb bowl.  The bowl was taken off and the afterfire plunger is working as it should.  When the mower sits the plastic air cleaner mount fills with fuel. With the air cleaner off and the engine in turned over fuel  shoots out the choke side of the carb.  What would cause this?  Thanks for you expertise.

Answer
The inlet needle in the carb is not stopping the fuel as it should,
so the needle is damaged, the float is damaged or stuck open, or more likely, there is a bit of dirt preventing the needle from
sealing, so take the carb apart and explore, the float is held in with a hinge pin, for an exploded view of the carb, google
someone like Milaca Lawn and Garden, and use their parts lookup.

Hope this helps