Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): White Smoke all of a sudden, kohler engines, reed valve

Question
I have the 18HP Troybuilt OHV. The engine quit suddenly with a burst of white smoke.  I was able to restart the engine, but shut it down immediately as the white smoke was now constant. There was no noticeable noise, clang, bang, etc.

Answer
Check the oil and smell it for gas.  If it has gas in the oil, then the carburetor needs to be rebuilt or replaced and the oil needs to be changed.  This is fairly common on certain Briggs and Kohler engines.  Do not attempt to run the engine if there's gas in the oil or you will cause the rod to break.

The other option is that the breather has failed.  There are two types, a reed valve and a filter type.  The reed valve can be removed and cleaned, sometimes it will need replacement.  The filter type has to be replaced. You can find the breather by following the hose on the back or bottom of the air cleaner or carburetor back to the engine block.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.