Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine problem on riding lawn mower, crankcase oil, gas leaks

Question
i started my mower yesterday and so as it started it began to smoke very badly with a blue color smoke.i lifted the hood and noticed gas coming out of the dip stick tube it emptied a 1/4 of gas in just a few seconds. i belive it could be the float sticking in the carb.but not for sure. by the way the mower is a craftsmen model with a kohler 14hp model#cv14s any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you

Answer
Hello Jason:

This is Caused when the Carburetor Needle Valve (also called the Float Needle) is Not Seating Correctly and the Gas Leaks by the Needle and Floods the Carburetor and Cylinder. Check the Crankcase Oil. Does it Smell like Gas and is Over Filled? If Yes, then the Carburetor Needle Valve is Allowing Gas to Leak by and Flood the Cylinder when the Engine is Not in Use. Change the Oil. Make Sure to Drain the Engine Good. Refill to the Proper Oil Level and Install a Manual Cut Off Valve and Manually Turn Off the Gas When Not Using the Mower. If the Carburetor Needle Flow Valve Leak is Not Affecting the Engine Operation, then you Do Not Need to Clean and Rebuild the Carburetor. When the Leak Starts to Interfere with the Engine Operation, then you Will need to Clean and Rebuild the Carburetor. I Say this Because I have Done So Many that a Clean and Rebuild will Usually Last a Few Months and then the Same Condition Occurs. The Manual Shut Off Valve is the Only Way I have Found to Stop the Flooding of the Crankcase when the Engine is Not in Use. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 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. 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