Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman mower oil leak, craftsman eager 1, head bolts

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman Eager 1 mower that starts leaking oil after it runs for a few minutes.  The engine code is 143.976500 and the mower model # is 917-377291.  The oil seems to be coming from from the air filter housing.  The serial # is 040497M 009409.

ANSWER: Aaron
Sounds like there is to much oil in the engine to cause that.The by pass breather is putting the extra oil in the carb housing. Try taking some oil out,when you check the oil don't screw the dip stick back in,just take it out and clean it then put the dip stick in the spout hole then pull it out that is the true reading.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I made sure the oil level was good today.  I cleaned it up today and let it run for awhile. The oil is not coming through the air filter. It looks like it is coming from a couple of places. If you are standing at the front of the mower, it is coming from the right side. It looks like it is coming from the seam where the top half and bottom half of the engine come together. There is also a spot on the front of the engine where it looks like it is leaking. It is above the metal tube that runs accross the front of the engine. I'm guessing this is not good news...

Answer

engine   Aaron
Sounds like yo have blown a head gasket or the head bolts are loose. Try to tighten the head bolts.You will need to remove the head and then get a new head gasket part # 36061 for a Tecumseh engine, This is for a pressure washer I assume.If this is the gasket between the lower case and upper case,you will need a lot of help as there is major parts to be removed.You can also check those bolts also. Good Luck I enclosed a picture of the lower half.