Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): small engine carburetor problem, carburetor adjustment, murray mower

Question
I have an old Murray mower with a Tecumseh engine.  The carburetor's been giving me problems.  A while ago I had a situation where, while just sitting in the garage, the gas flowed through the carburetor and into the crankcase.  I replaced some carburetor parts: the float, needle and gasket.  That got it working again but I know I didn't adjust it quite right because at full throttle it seemed to run louder and faster than it really should.  But it did work for a couple of months until today.  I found this morning that all the gas had again flowed into the crankcase.  Is this just a carburetor adjustment problem or something more serious?

Answer
Hello Bill:

From your Description, it Sounds like the Common Problem All the Engine OEMs are Having with the Carburetor Needle Valve. Install a Manual Cut Off Valve in the Line Between the Tank and the Carburetor and Turn Off the Gas Flow to the Engine When Not in Use. All My Customers Now have and Use the Manual Cut Off Valve. The Needle Valve when Changed Only Corrects the Problem a Short Time as you have Discovered. The Running Faster May be from the Governor Control Spring Not in the Proper Hole of the Governor Arm or if the Governor Control Arm was Removed During the Carburetor Clean and Rebuild, the Governor May be Out of Adjustment. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have 2 PDF Site Addys that May Assist you Also. They are; 1- http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf and 2- http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John