Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs $ Stratton lawnmover engine, briggs stratton, valve section

Question
I have a Briggs Model 28q777 Vanguard engine from a Sabre lawnmower and it is smoking. I removed the head and I can see some blow by between the cylinder and the pushrod chamber.  Would that cause my issue?

Answer
Absolutely! It is a common problem on that engine type. When the gasket (which usually separates it's layers) between the chambers leaks across, the compression goes into the valve section of the head. When that happens the pressure has only one place to go, that's down the oil return, in turn pressurizing the crankcase, from there too much pressure builds in the crankcase pushing the oil into the breather tube, then into the intake manifold to end up being burned in the cylinder. Yes, you did good, that's your oil burning problem....Tom