it could be when it floods, it's choking out the engine while running. a new float is $28 and needle is about the same... i do agree it seems a bit steep, as i paid $14 for a kawasaki needle earlier this year.
The float and needle from briggs is available but is close to $60 for both
the carb part number is
807639, and is NLA, there is a USED, carb on ebay for $150 and not seeing any chinese knock offs, this carb uses a viton tipped needle, so what i would do, remove the float and check that it will actually float and doesn't have a hole in it. if it floats, order a bowl gasket and a new needle. clean out the carb and clean the brass seat with q-tip and carb spray.
however a rebuild kit is north of $100