Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Troy Bilt Trimmer Leaking Gas, spark plug wire, running to the top

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2 cycle Troy Bilt trimmer that was dying when I pulled the trigger but ran fine while the choke was on. I replaced the carburetor, gasket, and the fuel filter inside of the tank. I gave it a pull and it started right up, then pulled the trigger and it ran like new. I then turned it off and when I came out the next morning there was a large pile of gas, probably half a tank or more on my deck. I then pulled the string and gas leaked out of the muffler. The gas seems to be leaking from the bottom of the casing and down the spark plug wire when it is just sitting on the ground. When I try to crank it it then leaks out of the muffler. I didn't make any changes to the carburetor, I just put it on and left it as it was. Any idea on what could be causing the problem? Thanks!


ANSWER: I would say without hesitation the float needle valve is stuck in the open position and allowing the gas to continue to flow even when off. Thus filling the carb, and cylinder with fuel, at that point flooding out into the muffler by way of the exhaust port. I would remove the carb, get a rebuilding kit, and rebuild the carb. Upon removing the filter dirt or something might have lodged itself between the needle and seat allowing it to remain open...You can try removing the fuel line at the carb first and spraying in a little carb cleaner followed by some compressed air...Might just jar it loose and be the end of it..Tom

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

QUESTION: Hey Tom,

Thanks for the reply. The carburetor is a brand new Zama carburetor so do you think it could still be bad since it is new? Also, can you confirm that I have everything hooked up properly? I have the primer line going up into the fuel tank, the fuel line with the filter on it in the tank running to the top of the carb, and the other line is at the bottom of the carb running to the spot right next to the primer bulb. Thanks in advance for your reply!

Answer
You very well could have a line in the wrong location, and it would give you this exact problem. If you would furnish me with the correct model number, and serial number or code number, I can research this out further to tell you if they are in the correct locations.....Also the chances of this new carb being bad is highly unlikely. Other option is if there is a dealer near by you can stop in and look at your model there and come home and check your connections.    
Just for the heck of it try switching the two lines, not the primer it sounds as if it is correct.........Tom