I never had a problem with the plastic needles leaking when paying $1 each for one at the local mower shop but I think the mowers Norm gets are little more worn out than the ones I've had.
I've had one Victa where someone had just replaced the plastic needle with a piece of alloy welding rod that had a point ground on the seat side and that worked fine.
The Victa carbies I've had didn't need the brass seat to be re-cut but there is a repair for them if the needle is still not shutting off correctly .
Might be worth trying if you know the needle is good.
