Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Gas Mixing with Oil, oil container, float bowl

Question
My mower was having a tough time getting started.  We took it apart and cleaned all the parts and put some new ones in there and we empied the oil and gas so there was no liquid of any sort in there (after finding oil and gas in the oil container but we weren't sure how it got there because it was someone else's mower).  After putting it back together we put oil and gas in there and it started right up and I mowed part of a lawn for about 10-15 min. We started it maybe 10 times and checked the oil and it looked just fine. I took it back to my house and used it for 20 min on my lawn.  An hour later I went to use it again and it would start. I put it away for two days and came back to find it still wouldn't start. I took out the air filter and tried it there but that didn't work.  I opened the oil cap and a mixture of gas and oil started pouring out. I checked the gas and it was empty but it was half full 2 days prior.  So obviously gas is mixing strait with the oil but I'm not sure how to fix it. Any suggestions beside pushing it off a bridge?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Pat,

I suspect a problem with either the carb float or the float needle and seat.  You will need to remove the carb float bowl and inspect the float for a fuel logged condition or correct a leak at the needle and seat, replacing parts as needed.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael