Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler carburetor woes, sears riding mower, walbro

Question
I have a sears riding mower with a Kohler 17hp engine and am having some difficulty with the carburetor. Fuel will pool up in the carburetor when the motor is not running. I can look down into the hole after taking off the air filter and see a puddle of gasoline. I have replaced the needle (rubber tipped), all of the gaskets, the float, and fuel filter. All at different times with the same recurring problem. I also checked the solenoid on the bottom of the fuel bowl per the repair manual and it checked out fine. The only other strange thing that may be related is when I am riding straight up a hill, the mower will die like it is out of gas. Thank you in advance for your help.

NUMBERS OFF MOTOR
Family: 3KHXS.4902GB
Model: CV490S
Spec: 27508
S/N: 3327317981
OEM Production #: 177745

NUMBERS OFF CARBURETOR (WALBRO)
95A 1963 1205311B


Answer
Kyle
Don't overlook the fact that the you already changed some parts. This sounds like a float problem where the fuel is leaking into the carb. It may not be adjusted correctly.I would concentrate on that.Take the float out check for dirt,some you cant even see so use a carb cleaner to flush out any junk and use air to clean out the passages,don't use high air pressure you may blow out parts you need.Install the float and adjust the float so that it is level when you hold it horizontally.if you have a way of blowing air into the fuel line while the carb is upside down to see if it is leaking air, try that. We use a small pump and place the carb in water to see if we get any air bubbles.As far as the hill that would also be a float problem.