Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower smokes, sears craftsman, hp briggs

Question
Dave, i have a sears craftsman 6.5 hp Briggs engine, self propelled mower.when i first start it a puff of smoke comes out of the exhaust through the muffler.once it starts it runs great no more smoking.what is going on?also would you recommend a good commercial type weed whacker

Answer
Let me address the weed whacker issue first:  SHINDAIWA is my number one choice when it comes to commercial weedwhacker.  Make sure you get a clutch driven straight shaft.  ECHO, HUSQVARNA, and STIHL are also good product as long as you get into the pro range.  

No matter what kind you get, make sure you can get service.  Shindaiwa has recently sold to Echo so that scares me a little bit. keep this in mind when buying.  

The puff of blue smoke is simply a little oil that has bypassed the valve inside the engine or has collected in the breather chamber.  (I am assuming you have an OHV engine)

No need to worry about the blue puff of smoke when first starting.

Happy yard work!

Dave