Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Carb problems on a Sears Eager 1, eager 1, hp model

Question
I have mower, model# 917.377580.  After a recent clean up and tune up it quit in the middle of mowing.  Priming it would allow it to start, but it would not keep running. When I got it up on the bench it looked like fuel was flowing out of the bowl.  The engine is a Techmas (SP?) 6.75 HP model# 143.986700 from the STP207U1G1RA family Disp 207.  When I dumped the fuel out of the bowl I was very careful to make sure the needle valve stayed in place, but there is this little spring....  Do you have a parts diagram for the carb so i can figure out where this little,,thing goes?  Also, why would fuel be flowing out out the top of the float bowl?  Everything is plastic, can I soak it in carb cleaner or will it just melt?

Answer
 Hello Brian:

 Since you have a Tecumseh Engine I have a Couple of Sites that May Interest you. 1st- http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Dont have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers 143.986700. Then Select Download this File. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine. 2nd - http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf; this is a Tecumseh Informational PDF and Contains Some Very Useful Information for Tecumseh Owners. Plastic Cannot be Soaked in Carburetor Cleaner. Soak the Carburetor for an Hour and then Rinse with Gas or Kero to Clean Off the Carburetor Cleaner. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air and Install New Kit. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John