Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): smoking, overhead valve engines, briggs and stratton

Question
Hello John,
Just read answer given to a fellow about his Vanguard 14hp smoking. I have the same problem and am getting ready to address it. It is on a mower. When cranking, the engine seems to have plenty of compression. It has a manuel fuel shut-off which I checked. My question is"Can I remove the dipstick or loosen it to check the crankcase breather?"

Answer
Hello Mike:

>>Not Realy.
>>There is a Small Amount of Crankcase Pressure Required for these Small Engines to Operate Correctly.
>>Is the Smoke Black or Blue?
>>If Black, then
>>Check the Carburetor and make Sure it is Not Flooding the Engine Slightly.
>>If Blue, then
>>Remove the Crankcase Breather and Clean.
>>If this is an OHV Engine, then
>>the Head gasket may be Blown between the Valve Galley and the Compression Chamber and will Require Replacing to Stop the Smoking.
>>Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug or the Muffler. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. If this is a Briggs and Stratton  Engine, then you can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of a Briggs and Stratton Engine.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select "Click Here For The Parts Menu". Then Select B. Then Select "Click Here If You Don't Have Your Part Numbers". Now Select the File (using the first 2 Numbers of your Model Number) for your Model.
>>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