Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere f525, valve inline, fuel tank

Question
I have a john deere f525. It sat through the winter, and just  a few days ago I got it out to mow. I first replaced the plug, and fresh gas, fired right up, runs great. Only problem.... there is a constans flow of gas coming out of what looks like a clear , 3" overflow hose at the side of the bowl.. I tried plugging it with a screw, but it runs really bad with the hose plugged. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
The carburetor inlet needle is not sealing and allowing gas to leak past.  It could be that the needle is just stuck, a bad float, or the needle and seat need to be replaced.  It is very common these days to replace inlet needles and seats.

How old is the mower?  Carb ever been rebuilt?

Quick soluion is to just shut the fuel off from the fuel tank when you are not using the mower.  Do you have a valve inline or near the fuel tank to shut off the fuel?  Just have to remember to shut off the fuel or else gas will enter the engine and thin the oil...very bad to run an engine with gas in the oil...thins the oil and does not lubricate.

Best solution is to rebuild the carb, mainly just replacing the gaskets and inlet needle and seat.

Any carb experience?

Eric