Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mower/tecumseh, thread pitch, torque wrench

Question
QUESTION: I have a lawnmower with a tecumseh HP engine, model LEV115-350122D.  The mower seems to be leaking oil-a small dribble-on the top of the engine at the back.  There's a flat rubber cap of some sort is where it appears to be leaking around, I guessing a PCV valve-it has a small tube coming from the cap, going to the air intake, by the air filter.  How do I get the disc with the fins on it (flywheel or what ever it is) off?  I've removed the nut, and a small cup, how do you get the bigger disc off?

Thank You,

Rick

ANSWER: Refer to page 61 at the following link:

http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/html/engine-specs/tecumseh/Tecumseh_L-Head_E

Page 61 will direct you to page 79 but read page 61 first.

You can use several nuts, of the correct size and thread pitch, instead of the flywheel removal tool.  You may also have three holes near the center of the flywheel.  You can tap the holes 1/4" course thread and then use an expensise steering wheel or similer to "pull" the flywheel.  You can use an impact gun to remove the flywheel nut but make sure you use a torque wrench when re-installing.

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Eric,

The rubber cap, with the tube going to the air intake/filter, is where it is leaking oil from.  Is this a PCV valve, or what?  Short of replacing the whole piece, seeing how parts are hard to come by since Tecumseh is out of business, what else can I do with it?

Thank You,

Rick

Answer
Yes, the valve breather acts as a PCV maintaining crankcase vacuum.

There is a cork gasket that may need to be replaced.  You can remove and clean the breather or replace it.  The most challenging part is removing the flywheel to remove the breather.

You should be able to find the parts with no problem.

Eric