Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): MTD 12.5 RIDING MOWER, lawn chair, crankcase

Question
HI I ASKED ABOUT CARB FILLING WITH GAS AND BLOWING OUT MUFFLER WHEN TRYING TO START.I WAS ASKED TO CHECK IF OIL SMELLED LIKE GAS.IT DOES!I BOUGHT A CARB KIT BUT HAVE NOT REBUILT YET.IT WILL START BUT RUNS BAD.THANKS MIKE

Answer
It runs bad because the carb needs cleaned and the oil needs changed.  It runs bad because it has fouled plugs.  They will be a sooty black from all the fuel in the crankcase.  Make the repair, change the oil and plugs and everything will be good.

Personally I would sit back in a lawn chair with a frosty barley pop and hope it fixes itself.  when the holiday weekend is over I would face reality and clean that carb.  But not today, Relax and enjoy the weekend.