On Mon, 17 May 2010 20:22:24 -0500, Dean Hoffman
wrote:

bob callaway wrote:
My lawn mower runs for a while, but when it is shut it down I cannot
restart it. In addition the gas leaks out of the tank. For starters what
could be the problem? Should I take it to get it repaired or is this
something I can fix myself

Where is the leak exactly?
The float valve in the carb is not sealing.
If you are real handy you can fix it sourself, otherwise take it to a
shop or find a friend who knows what he's doing with an engine.