If you notice gas leaking from the air intake or around the air filter in your lawnmower, shut down the mower immediately and prepare for a lengthy inspection. Gas leaks can occur through the air filter and indicate a problem with valves inside your engine. These issues are typically associated with carburetor problems and need to be fixed before you use the mower again. Using the mower without addressing the problem can harm other mower components.
Carburetor Float
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The carburetor in your lawnmower has a simple fuel float that detects how much fuel is in the mower. If you notice gas leaking through the air filter, the gas has backed up from somewhere inside the engine and is overflowing. Because the carburetor is closely connected to the engine air supply, it is often the culprit and the first place you should examine for potential clogs and dirt.
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Float Problems
The carburetor float can become permanently stuck in the open position, which allows gas to flow up through the air filter and out of the mower. This is usually a sign of dirty fuel. Cleaning the float and carburetor and replacing or cleaning the fuel filter can help resolve this problem. If you have not used your mower in a long time, stale fuel may have gummed up the float. This causes it to stick open and requires the same cleaning procedure.
Shut-Off Valves
If your mower has a fuel shut-off valve, check it for signs of sticking or damage. The valve should automatically close whenever the engine is not on. If the valve is still open when the mower is fully powered down, it may be letting fuel leak into other parts of the system. You can solve these issues by replacing the valve with a new one.
Draining the Oil
If gas is leaking through your lawnmower's air filter, it may also be leaking in other areas -- specifically into your oil. If you notice a gas leak, drain the oil you currently have in the mower and replace it. Oil mixed with gasoline can be dangerous for your engine.