Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Snow Thrower, craftsman snow thrower, bolt holes

Question
Hi John, I have a Craftsman Snow Thrower, given to me by my father, who only used it a handful of times, so it was pretty new when I received it. My dad didn't run it all that much, as I mentioned, and didn't store it properly in the off season, so the carb was gummed up. I replaced the carburetor and some fuel lines while I was in there and it started right up. I had it running for about 5 minutes and it coughed and smoked and died. I looked down at the front, and there was oil everywhere. I have since taken the starter off, the start pull mechanism and the gas tank (not in that order). I can't seem to find a leak and I cannot tell if there is a gasket blown. While I had the top bolts out - the ones that hold the gas tank and the pull start onto the engine - I put the hand pull back into place and gave it a pull and there was compression, but one of the empty bolt holes gave a puff of white dust. I don't think these bolts should have anything to do with keeping compression in the cylinders, right? Does this mean there is a blown ring or something? Is it possible I put too much oil in it and it had to release somewhere? The dipstick didn't show any signs of white, or milky oil. It was just brown.

Any help is appreciated! I really could have used this machine this winter. My back is so angry.  

It is has a Sears & Roebuck mark on the engine cover, engine # 143.975001, model # 536.886122

Answer
Hello JD:

>>The Bad thing about Tecumseh Engines is they have a Weak Connecting Rod and when this Engine Sets for Long Periods, the Engine Usually Throws/Breaks a Connecting Rod and Cracks the Block.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/parts.html and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers 143.975001 (the Engines Model Numbers). Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing.
>>The Sears Model Number for this Unit (complete Assy Engine Included, but not Engine Breakdown using this Number, just the Unit Breakdown) is the 536.886122 number.
>>Drain the Engine Oil into a Clean Pan.
>>What does the Engine Oil Look like Now?
>>Is there Gas in the Oil?
>>Does the Crankcase Oil Smell like Gas?
>>Are there Particals in the Oil? Example: Fine Particals of Aluminum, Cast Iron, ect.
>>The Oil Down the Front is Most likely from the Oil Pan/Sump Gasket or the Crankshaft Seal.
>>If you Over Filled the Crankcase, then you would have the Problem you Described.
>>The Gas Tank Bracket is Held to the Engine by 2 or 3 of the Head Bolts.
>>Did the Engine make Any Noise when it Smoked and Stopped Running?
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John