Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Leaking Gas, throttle lever, carburetor

Question
I noticed that my Toro Model # 20016, SN 230049015 is leaking gas from the carburetor where the air filter is attached.  The air filter is soaked with gas and is still leaking very slowly.  Also I noticed that the idle restricter screw is wet with gas and might be leaking.  The idle restricter screw is turned all the way in and tight.  Is that the proper setting for the idle restricter screw?  And how can I stop the gas from leaking from the carburetor opening?  I'm sure I can do the work, if I know what to do.  Thank you very much for your help.

Answer
You have to rebuild , or better yet replace the carburetor.  And you have to change the oil.  Do not try and run the engine like this or you will most likely end up with a broken connecting rod.

What's happening is the needle isn't sealing for one reason or another and is allowing gas to constantly flow into the carburetor.  In addition to gas in the air filter, you also have probably gotten gas into the oil.

I'm not sure what you're referring to as the idle restrictor.  Is this the idle screw that contacts the throttle lever?  If so, you want that adjusted so that the engine will idle quickly and respond to governor inputs and keep the engine at a level rpm.

Personally, I would just replace the carburetor rather than rebuild it.