Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Boy 19, 2 cycle lawn mower, carburator, gas leak

Question
Allen, my Lawn Boy is 35 years old.  It is now leaking gas when the valve is open.  It will start after being primed, but it stops after about 3 seconds.  It also races at highest speed.  What can I do?

Answer
Man those were powerful mowers!
Hiya Charles
First- get that gas leak fixed, bad valve, carb rebuild whatever it takes.  Because that is probably why it runs wide open (mixture leaning out)  I'm guessing and hoping these problems are related and in your carburator.
Lemme know how it runs after you get that leak fixed!