Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs & Stratton engine failure, briggs stratton engine, engine model type

Question
I changed the oil in my Snapper, 13HP B&S recently (used plain ole 30wt Quaker State (don't know if this is related).  I started it a couple of times, let it set, checked oil level, made sure the oil level was right. After about an hour during my next use the mower died.  I assumed it was out of gas.  Long story short, it wasn't.

There is oil on the spark plug. And I notice oil dripping from the bottom of the head. What does this mean...broken ring?  I have no experience with tearing into an air-cooled engine, but I would like to give this a try.  What do you think?

Eric, thank you in advance for your advice.

Darryl

Answer
Oil should be fine...SAE-30 is fine.  Do you, or maybe a friend, have a cylinder leakdown tester?  This is best tool to use to check for a bad ring.

Before tearing too far into the engine you can alway make sure the head bolts are torqued.

What is the engine model, type and code number?  Let me know you have or have access to a leakdown tester as well.

Eric