Small gas engine has gas leak near carburetor?

I just brought Steele 10,000 watt generator, I think it is a 17HP only has 8 hr.s on it and don’t know how long it sat but when I turn the gas on it just pours out by the carburetor and it looks like it is running out from the carburetor and this plastic looking base plate but that doesn’t make sense because the float should stop the gas before it gets that high I think so if it is the float or something then there would be a vacuum leak also then I think, Any one have a better idea then me? I don’t really know that much about carburetors but I do get lucky sometimes, any one have more experience with small engine carburetors? Can give me a tip or to before I take it apart? Thank You...