Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda GCV160 carburetor, carburetor body, honda gcv160

Question
When I open the fuel valve coming from the fuel tank, gas leaks steadily from the carburetor. I took it off the mower and cleaned it a little and reassembled. It still leaks. Should I just replace the carburetor and be done with it or might there be another issue?

Answer
Hello Ryan:

**Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** The Carburetor Float Needle Valve (Fuel Control Valve) is Not Seating Properly and Allowing the CArburetor to Flood. If the Float Needle Valve is a 1 Piece and the Rubber Tip is Not Damaged, then you can Reuse it. If it is a 2 Piece Needle and Seat, the I Suggest you Replace the Needle and Seat Kit. If the 1 Piece Needle and After Cleaning the Leaking Still Occures, then Install the 2 Piece Needle and Seat. The Reason for Going to the 2 Piece Needle Valve is Because the Carburetor Seat for the 1 Piece May be Pitted and Causing the Needle Valve Not to Seal Properly. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower/Engine at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. Then Select the Engine File. 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