I don't really know the type of carb you have, but Yes you can fix it to a certain degree on the engine as long as you have access to the float bowl...
1).Remove the spark plug from the unit (safety first).
2),Shut off or clamp the fuel line to the carb.
3).Remove the air cleaner assembly from the carb (easier access).
4).Remove the float bowl nut (gas will come out use a rag to sop it up...).
5).Gently pull down on the carb bowl,note there will be an o-ring gasket on the top of the bowl(bowl gasket).Inspect what you see in float bowl ie.water, dirt, rust etc.)
6).Once the bowl is removed ,you can see the float and float needle valve .
7).Remove the float pin .(pivot point, carefully)
8).The float needle valve will come with the float I believe...look at the float needle and see if it has a ring around the tip of it ,if it does it is worn,and needs to be replaced (the float seat may also be replaceable but without knowing what carb you have I am not certain) your small engine dealer can tell you that info.
9).Shake the float ,gas inside ,replace it !
10).Where the float needle enters the needle seat area ,blow compressed air or carb cleaner to blow out debris .
11).Check bowl nut for debris and clean .

Other issues can be a misadjusted float,plugged atmospheric vent ....

Reassemble in reverse ....good luck Jim

Excellent advise from Jim as usual and he didn't even tell you to check the compression. (grin, inside joke)

I would add one thing. Install an in line gas line shut off valve, if it doesn't already have one, and use it to prevent possible future gas leaks when the engine isn't running.

Walt Conner

Wow -

Thanks guys - I'm off until Thursday of next week, so I will look into this, and I will have to get the number off the engine in case I need to replace the float valve.

Regards,

Joe

You can also remove the gas line at the carb and blow into the fuel inlet to get dirt out from that direction too, but no more that a pound or two of pressure, otherwise it will blow out the seat.

If all else fails "check the compression"...then give it to Walt to repair...or use as boat anchor :o) Jim