Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro 20023-R21S air cleaner leaks, casee, needle valve

Question
Hi I have a Toro 20023 that I got from a man who didn't winterize it properly. Is would start leaking gas from the air cleaner as soon as you primed it. My first assumption was float stuck, needle and seat bad or float full of gas. Wrong none of the above, I took it apart cleaned carb and everything seemed ok. I put the air cleaner back on and same thing. The minute you loosen the air cleaner it stops leaking, not a drop, and no it is not that you just can't see it cause it's running down the side of carb. I put a kit in it and still does the exact same thing. The guy at the mower shop acted like I was crazy, I might be but it's still leaks and stops as soon as you loosen cleaner housing.It looks like it is leaking from the hole, that is nearest to the cleaner, the left one that looks like it has a plug or jet in it. It seemed to me like the float was going almost all the way down (when inverted) before it bottomed. Any Ideas?

Answer
If the air cleaner element and cover is in place how do you know it is leaking gas inside the carburetor throat?  Reason I ask this is that you can't see it.  If the answer is the element fills up with gasoline and leaks from the element you have to have a venting problem or the needle is not seating.  there are two ways that this will happen the needle valve not closing because of something in the seat or a damaged seat or damaged tip on the needle.  A float with the hole   or air pressure in the carburetor not being able to vent. If that is the casee the only answer would be replaced the carburetor.  If you leave the mower set will it empty the fuel tank?  If it does not empty the fuel tank then your carburetor is overflowed it's possible that when the float is inside the bowl in operating and the needle seating.  If it empty the fuel tank the needle is not seating.  Replace the carburetor.

He never mentioned, does the mower operate properly?