Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): gas in oil (crankcase), gas seeps, oil dipstick

Question
Craftsman 17.k hp Briggs and Stratton. Had issue trying to start lawn tractor. Very hard to turn over. Fuel came out exhaust (not dripping....running out). Checked dipstick and noticed high level and smell of gas. Not the first time for the smell of gas on the dipstick. Drained oil and was very thin. Smelled of gas. Took bowl off of carb and bowl was full. Checked float.....it still floated, no holes. replaced bowl, changed filter and added oil. Dipstick showed oil at proper level. Engine turned freely now and fired.

Have been told the fuel solenoid could be bad and that is the reason for all of the "extra" fuel finding places to go, such as out the exhaust and all over the ground and also into the crankcase.

Whatcha think?

Answer
Hello AJM:

The Cause is the Carburetor Needle Valve Not Seating Properly and Allowing the Gas to Continue to Flow Into the Carburetor Bowl and Flood the Engine. The Cylinder is Filled and then the Gas Seeps by the Rings and Fills the Crankcase with Gas. The Carburetor Solenoid is an Anti-Diesel Device that Shuts Off the Gas to the Main Just and Keeps the Engine from Dieseling when you Shut them Down. If the Solenoid was Bad, then the Engine Would Either Start and Quit or Not Start at All. There is 1 Item to Add to the Mower. Install a Manual Cut Off Valve in the Gas Line and Turn Off the Gas Flow Manually when the Mower is Not Being Used. Then there are 2 Choices here. 1- Remove and Replace the Carburetor Needle Valve. 2- Do a Complete Carburetor Clean. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John