Simplicity Broadmoor 20/44

I changed the oil tonight on this tractor and the oil smelled like gas. What should I suspect is wrong with the tractor? Only 380 hours on this Vanguard engine. Thanks

Sounds like the fuel solenoid on the carb may be leaking by

Vacuum-operated fuel pump might have started leaking.

1. The fuel solenoid is not ever a 100 percent positve seal. Its on there in attempt to keep the engine from backfiring when switched off.

2. A. your problem is: the fuel pump, like was mentioned. or
B. The needle valve in your carburetor is no longer holding the gas back while the machine sits around.

You can check the fuel pump with a hand vacuum pump. Just hook to the port where the hose from it goes into the valve cover, hold your finger over the metal screen on the side of the pump and pull a vacuum on it. Pump it up to about 7 or 10. wait a few seconds. If it leaks back down, the pump is bad. This only works if you cover that screen on the side of the pump. It can get air through that screen.

P.S. if it looks like it has been wet around that screen, replace the pump anyway. Fuel should never come out there.

If it turns out to be the needle valve in the carburetor:
You can replace it and see if the problem returns. (Most times it does in a few months.) A better fix is to replace the carburetor, but they have gotten expensive in recent months.
The cheapest fix is to put a shutoff in the fuel line, but this takes a commitment to turn the valve off every time you store the mower.

Thanks to all who replied. I appreciate your assistance. I have always received good/excellent advise on this forum.