I wish i could be more specific on what make, and model of craftsman riding mower i have but it is not close by. My question though is I believe a pretty general one. my mower was back firing alot, and then just stopped running. i went to do a full tune-up on it, and when i pulled the spark plug all the gas came out the spark plug hole? what most likely is the problem? being i am somewhat mechanically inclined could i repair it myself? and last of all if I needed to take it to a professional, approxiamately how much am i looking at to fix it???

Hey there - WELCOME to LMF!

I moved your thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair Forum. You'll get a better response there.

Originally Posted by Patio

I wish i could be more specific on what make, and model of craftsman riding mower i have but it is not close by. My question though is I believe a pretty general one. my mower was back firing alot, and then just stopped running. i went to do a full tune-up on it, and when i pulled the spark plug all the gas came out the spark plug hole? what most likely is the problem? being i am somewhat mechanically inclined could i repair it myself? and last of all if I needed to take it to a professional, approxiamately how much am i looking at to fix it???

Hey. Have you checked to see if there is any spark to the plug?

yes ....rebuild the carb.... [if you dont know the history or if its been 5 years].....float needle is a common culprit..maybe they'll sell it alone...also there some different gadgets for testing spark..like the in line tester with the see thru glass or the one i have pictured........or with spark plug plier {like im showing} take plug out..connect it to the wire and hold threads against engine block and have someone else pull start or crank it to check spark

Originally Posted by ILENGINE

gas running out of the spark plug hole is usually an indication that the needle valve in the carb is not sealing and allowing gas to overflow the carb.

With you not knowing the exact engine. how difficult do you think it would be for me to replace the needle valve on this carboretor, or possibly do a full carboretor tune-up?

well again, i speculate without seeing it...your fuel bowl may have a nut and solenoid plug like this[see pictures] unsrcew and remove..if you get that far send me another message ..also vice grip your fuel line near carb to stop gas from draining...