Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower Carb Leaks Gas, leak gas, hs series

Question
My Craftsman mower (2 in one: mulcher/bagger) 3.5 HP, 2.0 Inch Cut. Model #: 917-383270 S/N: 068726

I cleaned the carburetor and reassembled it. I could start the mower and run for about 10 minutes. But when I stopped the mower, I found gas flowed out from around the air filter. It won't leak only when I put the gas tank at lower position. I guess the reason is that I don't know: How to appropriately reinstall the float and the needle? I need help. Thanks. Jerry

Answer
Hello Jerry:

There May be a Small Piece of Trash/Grit in the Inlet Port that is Preventing the Float Needle from Seating Properly. When the carburetor is Turned so the Float is on Top, then Float should Lay Level with the Bowl Mating Surface. I Suggest you Remove the Float Needle and Check the Needle Tip for Pits in the Rubber and Check the Surface of the Needle Seat for Pits Also. If the Carburetor Continues to Leak Gas But Runs Properly, then Install a Cut Off valve in the Gas Line and Cut Off the Gas When the Engine is Not in Operation. Otherwise you will Need to Replace the Needle Valve. Some of these Carburetors have a Needle and Seat. The Needle is a Short Aluminum with No Rubber Tip, but a Rubber O-ring Style Seat is Used in the Inlet Port. The Seat has 2 Sides. One Side is Slightly Curved to Mate with the Needle and the Other is Flat to Mate with the Carburetor Housing. If the 2 Piece Needle and Seat, Usually the Seat has Been Installed Wrong. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. If a Breakdown of the Carburetor is Not at this Site, then You can View a Breakdown of the Carburetor at this Site Addy http://www.tillotson.ie/ and Download the Flash Player. Then Enter the Site. Now Select Tech Info. Now Select Service Manuals from the Drop Down List Under the Tech Info Tab. Your Carburetor should be in the HU or the HS Series Manual. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John