Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Fuel leak, head gasket, fuel leak

Question
Hello, John

I have a 6 year old Craftsman mower (model 377690) with a Tecumseh engine with a fuel leak.

The problem manifested itself after I took things apart for a tune-up, air filter, plug, oil change, etc. I have subsequently changed out the head gasket after discovering fuel being blown out the top of the head. I have changed out the needle and seat, two o-rings, two gaskets and a spring all associated with the carburetor.

Each time I put the mower back together (3 times now) I have discovered a fuel leak coming out from either the muffler or dripping from the air filter which was saturated.

It thought my tune up was going to be a simple task but...   I made no adjustments to anything. What have I done and can you offer any simple solutions?

Thanks

Dodd

GP, TX.

Answer
 Hello Dodd:

 I have 5 Riders of my own. You may have done everything right Dodd. I Installed a Fuel Shut off when this became a problem for me. I Rebuilt a Carb for a Customer 3 times and Paid for a Certified Dealer to Do the Same. We Replaced the Carb with a New one and it was Fine for 2 years  then Started leaking again. The Simplest and Least Expensive Repair is to Install a 1/4 Turn Shut Off Valve in the Fuel Line. You can try Checking the Carb Rebuild again too. Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John