Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftman II 22 Quick 7, gas pours out of filter, craftman, proplem

Question
I have a craftman II, 22" electric start, Quick 7, self propelled, 5.0 HP, 6 speed lawn mower, which I recently acquired, near new.The former never used it and it was stored unused for a time. The fuel pours out of the filter until the tank is empty. My first impression is that some sort of check valve must be stuck on open. Am I correct, or do you have a other idea what the proplem could be? Also the throttle control handle does not seem to do anything to increase or decrease the engine speed.

Answer
The inlet needle is not sealing in the carburetor.  You will need to remove, dis-assemlbe the carb to find out why the needle is not sealing;  bad seat, bad needle, bad float?

This problem is probably affecting the throttle operation.  I would make sure the throttle cable it moving the throttle linkages.  Follow the cable down to the engine/carb and look to see if it moves the levers back and fourth.
Let me know what you find.

Eric