Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): fuel leak Snapper B&S 9HP rear engine mower, air fuel mixture, plastic elbow

Question
Hello - my snapper 28" Hivac rear engine riding mower with 9 HP B&S motor set up with bad fuel for over a year...we removed carb and thoroughly cleaned....motor runs fine although won't idle (not sure we have correct spark plug) but starts and runs at high rpm fine...we also replaced the fuel line with 1/4'id (not oem) and fuel filter and are getting a small drip leak where the line goes into the plastic elbow up into the carb...we are using the same green/ red clamps and thought maybe we had line backwards insofar as filter...maybe just need to install a shutoff valve although for the likes of me cannot figure out the leak...maybe carb not cleaned totally?

Answer
 Hello Sterling:

 Was this Elbow Fitting Removed During the Carburator Claening and Rebuild? Did you Put Thread Tape or Thread Sealer Compond Around the Threads when the Fitting was Replaced? The Idle Could be from Low Engine Compression, Improper Air/Fuel Mixture or as you Stated the Improper Plug Gap. The Clamps, Are they the Spring Type or the Screw Type. If the Spring Type, then Replace them with the Screw Type. A Shutoff Valve is Suggested for Most Riding Mowers. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John