What could be causing the mower to spurt gas in the air out of the carb with the air filter removed? I'm talking a seroius stream of gas. The bowl has on of the cut off solenoids on it.

does gas want to flow uncontrollably? when not trying to start it? could be the float.

It was leaking so I took off the bowl. When I put it back it stopped leaking. When I went to start it with out the air cleaner, a serious amount of gas shot out of the carb in a stream.

hmmm, does it have a fuel pump? does the engine run fine anyway? or it isn't.....

I don't think it has a fuel pump. I'm buying a rebuild kit for the carb. Maybe the float has a hole in it.