Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Fuel is coming out of Carb, fuel leak, fuel flow

Question
I have a lawnmower with fuel comming out of the carb, could it be as simple as a rebuild kit? the mower runs great but the fuel runs into the carb and continues to flow out of the airfilter, I cleaned it but it didnt seem to help, does the needle regulate the fuel going into the carb? and is it just not seating properly to stop the fuel once the bowl is full? I forgot to check to see if the float had any fuel in it from a crack or pin hole, if the float does not float would the carb keep asking for more fuel hence causing the overflow? thanks

Answer
Hi Roland,

Sorry for my delay.  
You are right on track!  The float, needle and seat DO regulate and shut off the fuel flow.  A fuel leak could be caused by a bad seat or a fuel logged float.  Usually the old brass, hollow floats would develop a pinhole but the newer fiber foam floats rarely fail.  A float that does not float will not shut off the fuel.  If the float seems okay, replace the needle and seat.

Good Luck,
Michael