Carb problem - older craftsman - 18.5 hp briggs

[negril]

I have a flooding problem with an older Craftsman 18.5 hp Briggs that I use with a second crew. The problem is massive flooding. I presume the float is stuck but the carb has a solenoid on the bottom bowl. I've never run into this before. Any suggestions as to how to handle this problem. When I pull the plug and crank the engine you can visually see fuel spray from the plug hole. Any help would be greatly appreciated.:dizzy:

[mjschue]

Listening to your description, you have the same mower as my boss. He was told to replace the carb. What he did, put a fuel shut off in line before the carb. Shut off fuel any time engine is not running for more than a minute. Has had no issues since. ( his was so bad he would have to drain oil between mowings as is wwas filling the crankcase.

[negril]

I've been groping around and I've disconnected the fuel pump and the plug to the solenoid on the bottom of the carb. The mower now starts and will run at fast and medium idle. As soon as the deck is engaged the engine stalls. I've tried different combinations of no solenoid, no fuel pump, vice-versa, but nothing will allow me to mow. As soon as I reconnect the fuel pump the massive flooding begins again. ????????????????????????????

Thanx for your reply.