Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 7.00 DOV, briggs and stratton, head gasket

Question
QUESTION: I have a snapper walk behind with a 7.00 torque DOV motor.Right after the warranty ran out it lost all compression upon start-up.The shop said it was blown head gasket replaced ran fine 1st 2 mowings.Yesterday upon startup severe white smoke then cleared ok.
Ran fine for a while and now runs smooth a fast position when engine loads and governor pulls in it misses severely and dies.Any Suggestions ? Is this a problematic engine?  

Thanks,

ANSWER: This has not been a problematic engine thus far.  I see lots of them in the shop getting prepared to delivery to customers.  

Did you tip your mower at all to clean it?  If you did this will cause the unit to smoke and then clear up as you indicated.

Do you have fresh fuel in the mower?

Is the Air Filter clean?

Do you have a new spark plug in it?  

Sounds like you may have water in your fuel, bad fuel etc...

If this is not the case and after you replace the plug, and air filter you still have the problem have the dealer check the mower for intermittent spark

Hope this helps.

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

QUESTION: Put in new plug runs good now,but still smoked like a fog sprayer upon start-up %26 then clears out.Shut it off for a while smokes again @ start -up....Now plug is fouled again.......
guess its time for a valve job?

ANSWER: Please get me the MODEL TYPE and CODE number off the Engine.  I am researching something for you.  Where in USA are you located?

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

QUESTION: Here we go These were on Metal plate above muffler.
100602 01-21-81 07040262

These are on sticker side of motor
B/S 700 Series 160CC
27703  Family 7BSXS  1611vw

Longview Texas 75604


Answer
Robert,

Contact Briggs and Stratton at 414-259-5333 ask for Doug Doughtery. He is the National Service Manager, you may get his voice mail, but leave a message and explain the situation to him.  I was told by our Briggs Rep that they are having some problems similar to the issue you first described.  You will need to provide those numbers that are on the metal plate above the muffler.

Please send a followup and let me know how this goes...