Old b&s 6 hp engine with "medium flow jet" carburetor".
190432 - o865 -157504
Problem= finally got the engine to start but now runs rich and gas
drips out around the bolts in the bottom of the carburetor. The run
improves on leaning the needle valve but not completely and the
drip doesnot improve. Note it doesnot leak when the engine is not
running (this is a gravity feed fuel system you know). Have a service
manual of the same vintage and have done most of the repairs but have
not replaced the float valve seat as it does not seem to be damaged.
Any help is appreciated.
thanks olddoc

The gaskets and seals are probably dried out. The best fix would be a carb rebuild. To order a kit, try www.briggsandstratton.com. You will need the model and type number of your engine (should be stamped on the blower housing) Parts can be ordered online from the site.

yep rebuild it. it's the only thing you can do to get the carb back right. and its old the gaskets are dried out like jeff said.

I am sure both of you are right. I have put it off long enough.
Thanks for the help. I appreciate your honest reply.
olddoc

yeah when anything like a carb they need rebuilding atleast twice in there lifetime. due in fact to hard labor and the temps they experience. and not to mention gas or whatever. they wear out unlike a fuel injector that pretty much stays good its lifetime. its also good practice to run stabilizer in the gas and a squirt of carb cleaner every mowing season to clean it a little with all the gas varnish that gets created and all it really helps em. sure it'll dry out diaprahms on some but they wear out anyway. i've seen a two year old engine wouldn't run but on choke. little cleaner into the carb while running a it was going strong. but of course it wasn't that old. if its old and you've not had any probs with it until now, always check the carb first.