Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S with gas in oil, air filter assembly, murray riding mower

Question
Hello Eric,

I have a Murray riding mower with a B&S model 28V707 type 1113-E1 engine with gas in the oil.  I saw a previous tip of yours about pulling the fuel bowl, which I did, and found a lot of whiteish gooy stuff with black hard bits at the bottom. (Yuch!) I cleaned the bowl out, and while it was off, I put a little fuel in the tank (gravity feed) and manualy pushed up on the float.  Fuel came out with float down but stops completely when I hold it up (so I don't think it's the needle valve).  I also pulled the float and it appears fine, no fuel inside and no cracks.  Put it all back together, put fuel in the tank, and now fuel is leaking all around the carb/air filter assembly connection.  I pulled that, and everything looks fine in the carb, but when I put fuel in the tank, it comes up through the venturi in bottom center, and also from an orifice in the middle right side (high speed enrichment?)  Is it more likely the float is not rising up enough (on it's own) to seal the inlet valve, or is the valve worn/damaged/dirty?  Can I weigh the float to see if it's absorbed fuel (what does a new one weigh for comparison)?  How do I check the valve (or have I already ruled that out by pushing up on the float manualy with the bowl off and no fuel leaks)?  

This has got me scratching my head, and any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Ian

Answer
Don't know the weight on the float...most are obviously cracked or leaking and get replaced.

You can pressure test the inlet needle to check for leaking but again if we clean the carb we replace the inlet needle and seat...it's cheap insurance.

I would replace the inlet needle and seat.  It is obvious that they are not sealing.
Make sure you clean the entire fuel system including the tank, filter, lines and your fuel can.
Let me know what you find.
Eric