Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): LX188 oil in water, breather vent, crankcase breather

Question
I have a John Deere LX188 '94 model with a typical FD501V Kawasaki engine. Recently I had two serious issues emerge at about the same time.
The first is that I found a lot of oil sitting all over the top of the engine, just under the flywheel. The flywheel has been removed and the crankshaft seal still looks intact. What are the chances of it being faulty, or should I be looking somewhere else?
The second issue is that I found a lot of oil in the water. When I emptied the radiator there would have been at least 50ml of black oil floating on top of the coolant. I have removed both heads and the gaskets haven't physically blown. There is no evidence of oil sneaking into the water from there, or any sign of cracks in the head or block that I can see. (I will have to buy new head gaskets now anyway.) I have heard of another reader having oil entering the water from a faulty water pump gasket. Would you recommend looking here next or somewhere else? Many thanks.

Answer
Hello Russell:

>>You are Correct about the Water Pump and that is the Next Place to Look for the Oil in Water Problem.
>>The Oil Around the Top of the Engine is Usually caused by the Upper Crankshaft Seal Leaking and this can be Due to a Bad Crankcase Seal or a Restricted Crankcase Breather/Vent wich causes too Much Pressure to Build up in the Crankcase and this Pressure Blows the Oil by the Upper Seal.
>>Check the Crankcase Breather/Vent and make Sure it is Operating Correctly.
>>If the Crankcase Breather/Vent is Operating Correctly, then
>>Replace the Upper Crankshaft Seal.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers LX188 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy,
http://www.emerichsales.com/ and Select Parts at the Top of the Page. Now Fill Out the OEM Parts by Model Fit Section.
>>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. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John