Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine Pumping Oil in Carb., vice grip pliers, crankcase ventilation

Question
John:

I have a LT 1000 Sears Mower with a 15.5 Briggs & Straton Engine. When I last mowed my yard it started pumping oil into the Carb. and smoking really bad.  I put it in the shed and shut it down. The mower Model number is 917.273370, serial 101703A005344, engine model 28N707.  Someone told me there is a crankcase ventilation filter if it stops up it will do this.  Is this true and how do I find this filter to clean it?

Thank you very much in advance for your time.

Regards,
Ron Vest

Answer
Hello Ron:

>>From your Description it Sounds like the Crankcase Vent/Breather Requires Cleaning or the Valve Clearances Require Setting.
>>THINK SAFETY: Always Remove the Spark Plug Wire/s from the Spark Plug/s and Tie Away from the Spark before Working on Any Small Engine unless the Plug/s must be Connected to the Coil/s for Diagnostic Reasons.
>>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 #28N700. **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.**
The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Removing Crankcase Vents on this Model Engine. Any Input is Appreciated. **Remove the Breather Assembly from the Carburetor. Grip the Gas Hose with Vice Grip Pliers to Stop the Gas Flow to the Carburetor. Remove the Gas Line at the Carburetor. Unbolt the Carburetor From the Engine and CAREFULLY Turn the Carburetor to Remove the Linkage from the Carburetor Throttle Thru Shaft and Choke (as Required). Remove the Bolts from the Crankcase Breather. Disassemble the Crankcase Breather and Clean the Oil from the Unit. Assemble and Attach to the Engine. Re-Attach the Carburetor to the Engine. Connect the Gas Line and Remove the Pliers.** You can Also Get More Detailed Instructions at the Following Site Addys. 1- http://www.repairfaq.org/samnew/lmfaq/lmclctc.htm   2- http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf   .
>>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 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