Johnson 48 hp carburetor

[Monark1977]

I have a bad gas leak between top of carb & the carb cover. Gasket is in place & appears in good shape. Cover is carefully & equally tightened in place. Johnson 48 hp w-two carbs & leak is on the top carb. Any suggestions??

 

[racerone]

Likely a float / float valve issue.------Ckean both carburetors.

 

[Monark1977]

Thanks! I appreciate your reply. From a number of online searches float/valve issue(s) seems most likely. I think the location of the leak was the most baffling part (for a non-mechanic like me). Also the fact it isn’t leaking out of the intake (flapper) of the carb as most videos show leaks out of the ‘front’ not the top carb cover plate like mine. Anyway, thanks for the valuable advice & float & carb cleaning/rebuild are next on my work list.

 

[racerone]

How did this motor run for you last season?

 

[Monark1977]

Local lake was closed due to low water level so it ran fine on hose ‘muff’ every few months. Perfect opportunity to have carb problems - varnish build-up, etc. Gas leak was probably happening then as it explains the smell - I just didn’t do the right thing then & check it out until now. I just ordered a carb kit & also a new carb cap which maybe is warped since it is plastic (thermoset?). Leak is at top end of red line in pic. which corresponds to the gasket area marked. Any suggestions appreciated.