I have a lawn boy 10335 push mower that sat unused for several years. I added new gas and went to start it up it spring a gushing leak out of the carburator. There is a small red hose that the gas was leaking out of. It drained the entire gas tank. Any idea as to what the problem is?

Sounds like the return spring on the air vane governor is stretched. Take the shroud off and look for the paddle shaped piece of plastic next to the flywheel. There should be no slack in the attached spring. You can shorten the spring if needed with a pair of needle nose pliers.

Briggs and Stratton engines have a quite common problem with the bolts coming loose over time where the two halves of the engine meet. Most times tightening the bolts will solve the problem, sometimes the motor has to be disassembled and a new gasket installed. This *may* be where your oil went? It would either be that or the bottom seal around the crankshaft. I would add some oil and see if you could see where its leaking at, but if I had to guess, it would be one of those two places.

has it started all season or has it sat for a long time and you are just trying to start it now?

if old gas was left in the engine a good carb cleaning will need to be done

Hi

Make sure the blade and shaft can easily be moved by hand. First, remove the spark plug wire from the plug. Reach under the mower and see if the blade will turn or if something is stuck between the blade and the mower. Also remember that you have to hold the safety bar when you are starting the mower or the engine won't turn. It is possible that the cable from the safety bar to the engine brake has come loose. Follow the cable from the safety bar to the engine and make sure it is working.Also check whether the line from the gas tank to the engine is crimped?

Also check this link to troubleshoot your problem:-

http://www.ehow.com/how_7363405_troubleshooting-push-mowers.html

Is the plug getting wet? if not, try introducing fuel to the intake and attempt to start it again, the interlock on the handle works by killing the ignition fire and applying a brake to the flywheel, this should be a Tecumseh engine, carb troubles are quite prevalent on these, by substituting fuel to the intake you are acting as the fuel supply, if it starts and runs briefly you have confirmed a fuel system issue

Replace the spark plug and retry.
If a new plug does not work push the spring button on the bottom of the carburetor to make sure fresh fuel is in the fuel bowl.
if this does not work remove the spark plug and squirt some light oil (like wd 40) right into the spark plug hole; roll the engine over slowly a couple times using the starter rope. put the plug back in and snap the plug wire in place. If the mower now starts after a couple pulls it means the rings are worn, replace the rings.

souds like the carb needs cleand out it has stuck open and let the gas run in to the moter

If the oil level is too high smell the oil to see if it has gas in it. If it does the carb needs to be cleaned and the oil changed.

Check the air breather. Make sure it is clean.

If it is clean, you will probably need to replace the diaphragm. A bad diaphragm will cause black smoke and also cause the mower to run erratically.

Jim