Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): old snapper mower pouring fuel, snapper riding mower, snapper mower

Question
I have an old 8 hp rear engine snapper riding mower,  while I was mowing the yard there was a loud clang, and the motor died.  Now when I Pull the string or use the electric start, it just whines with no sign of trying to start and gas pours out from the bottom of the motor, right beneath where the exhaust goes into the motor.  What can I do?

Answer
Turn the engine over by hand using the string.  Do you feel the compression stroke?  You will know you are on the compression stroke when you feel resistance as you rotate the engine.

Do you have a compression tester?  I'm afraid you may have broken a connecting rod.

Let me know what you find.
Eric