Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snow Blower gas and oil, honda snow blower, crank case

Question
I have a HS55 GX140 Honda snow blower and recently changed the oil in the motor. After starting it up and letting it run for a while to warm up, I shut it off to check the oil level. Went in did, it seemed the oil was very thin (almost water like) and smelled like it was diluted with gasoline. Is it possible for gas from the tank or carb going directly into the oil crank case?  The mtor sounds great when its running and does not blow smoke.
Thank you.

Answer
Yes, it is a common problem for the carburetor to leak gas past the inlet needle valve and have gas enter the engine oil.  The leaky inlet needle can be caused by a drop of water in the fuel system, the inlet needle just not sealing due to age or several other reasons such as old gas or small, very small debris.

I would change and re-fill the oil along with cleaning the carb.  I would also replace the inlet needle with a new one.

An alternate, and cheaper route, would be to drain and re-fill the oil then just shut-off the gas at the fuel shut-off valve.  When you store the blower you should always shut off the fuel to ensure the inlet needle does not leak.

Eric