Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsmen Series 900 24 Tiller - Oil Leaking, lubrication system, forward messages

Question
Dear David,

First - I apologize for the double posting, but I asked Eric this question first but I forgot the model number. When I whent to inform him of this, I couldn't send him another email, so I don't know if you can pass this on to him - it's a Craftsmen 24-inch Series 900 tiller.

I recently, as part of warming up the machine from winter idleness, operated the machine with its oil level about 1/2 a quart below full. Today I topped it off to full and started it. Oil started leaking near the air cleaner unit and it seemed to be coming out of the muffler, too.
I thought it was a normal burn-off of accumulated crud until I realized this wasn't a burn-off but oil somehow spitting out and hitting the hot engine, resulting in the accompanying cloud of smoke.

Anyway, what can I do about this? I'm waiting while it cools off, then I'll clean and assess. I plan to take the air cleaner off and see if there's an oil leak, but I'm wondering if, considering its recent history, it just needs a clean-up? Could topping off the oil result in some leakage that will eventually stop by itself after the lubrication system is fully lubricated?

Thanks for your ideas.

Answer
If you clean it up it should be fine.  Did you tip the unit towards the muffler by chance?  

I do not have the capability to forward messages to Eric...Sorry... I have figured out there is a clock that resets once we (volunteers) are maxed out on our questions.  Mine seems to be at about 9pm cst daily.