Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere gx 345 mower, valve seals, coolant level

Question
This has been a very reliable mower with over 1200 hours on it.Lately when I crank it I get a lot of white smoke out of the exhaust.After 30-40 seconds it disappears.The tractor runs fine.Today when I changed the oil I did not see any signs of water.The coolant level was slightly below the high level mark.Could it be that my valve seals are going bad?What about water in my gas?I appreciate your advice.

Answer
Most likely a little oil is getting past the valve seals.  Do you have to had oil every time you use the mower?

If water were getting in the cylinders it might smoke but not typically white smoke.

Have you pulled the spark plugs to see what they look like?  Dark, thickish carbon is usually oil.  If they are really, really clean it could be water.  You are looking for light brown on the tips of the spark plugs.

Eric