Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snapper SR 1030, snapper riding lawn mower, briggs and stratton

Question
My father recently rolled out his Snapper riding lawn mower from storage and noticed oil on the ground(looks like it may have come out bottom of motor) the oil was pooled around the right side rear tire. When he parked it in the fall it was running fine. Tuned up professionally two years ago. 10HP Briggs and Stratton 28A707 Type 0118 01. Turned over electric start and it fired belching white smoke and would stall in 15 seconds or so. I noticed something dripping out of the muffler...appeared black but watery...smelled like gas. Any idea what's wrong?

Answer
Hello Kevin:

The Oil Most Likely Leaked Out the Muffler from the Crankcase being Contaminated with Gas. Change the Oil.  Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I use Gunk). Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install a New Kit if Required. Install a Cut Off Valve in the Gas Line to the Carburetor. Manually Turn the Gas Flow Off when the Mower is Not in Use. The Carburetor Needle Isn't Seating Properly and Allowed the Gas to Leak by and Flood the Cylinder. the Gas then Seeped by the Rings and Contaminated the Crankcase Oil. This has Become a Common Problem and the Only Real Cure is the Cut Off Valve. Replacing the Needle When the Carburetor is Cleaned and Rebuilt will Help for a Few Weeks (5 or 6) and then the Problem will Return. It Usually Starts Out So Slowly you Can't Tell and then It has Filled the Crankcase Again. I have been Seeing this Problem More and More Each Year. This is the Only Way I have Found that Has Corrected the Problem and Prevented it From Happening Again. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select the File #28.  Then Select the Folder #28A700. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully  

John