Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs & Stratton 12.5 Model 289707, blown head gasket, twin cylinder engines


Question
I have a 12.5 HP Briggs & Stratton OHV model 289707. It started blowing blue smoke and cut off at the end of the season last year. I bought a new air filter and battery and got it started and it blew some oil out of the exhaust when it first started. It will still run, but blows blue smoke. Do you think I have a cracked ring? If so, is it difficult to repair?

Answer
Hello John:

>>Check the Head Gasket First.
>>On the OHV Engines the Head Gasket will Blow Between the Push Tube Galley and the Cylinder and you have the Problem you Described.
>>It may be a Blown Head Gasket.
>>The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best.
>>Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines).
>>Check the Push Tubes and make Sure they are Not Bent.
>>Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Lock and  Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to (See Chart) and the Exhaust to (See Chart) Loosen and Tighten the Rocker Arm and the Feeler Gauge is Placed Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Top where the Rocker Arm Pushes on the Valve.
>>***BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE ADJUSTER LOCK AFTER YOU HAVE THE PROPER VALVE CLEARANCE***
>>I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.**
>>If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke.
>>On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston.
>>Be Careful and Don't Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems.
>>You can Locate the Correct Specification (Bolt Torque, Valve Clearances, ect) for this Engine at this Site Addy; http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/ and Select your Engines OEM and the Specification Chart you Require.
>>If you cannot Locate the Specifications you Require, then Send me the Make, Model, Type/Specification Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Correct Manual and Better Assist you.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select the File #28 . Then Select the Folder #289700. **Note: you can Download and Save the Breakdown for your Engine by Selecting the 2nd Icon from the Left at the Top of the PDF page.**
>>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 5 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John