Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Fuel from exhaust, float bowl, silver series

Question
When trying to start a 6.5hp 2-cycle lawnboy silver series mower, about a year old, it will spew raw fuel from the muffler, if it starts, it will smoke, then run more or less normal.  I checked the float and needle - they seem ok. The float apears to be made of cork!  

Answer
Hi Dave,

Any leaking fuel must pass through the needle and seat. A cork or foam float usually doesn't get fuel logged like the hollow brass type does, so the float is probably not heavy and malfunctioning.  First, check the float level, which must be set so that the float is parallel with the float bowl.  Next, even though the needle and seat look good, there might be a tiny leak.  I would replace them.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael