Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 16 HP Briggs burning oil, hp briggs, air leaks


Question
QUESTION: I have a 16 HP Briggs model 402707 type 0159-01 code 85 041212 mounted on a Gravely 50 inch walk behind. The engine runs strong but smokes allot especially under load and eats up the oil quick. I have the owner and part manual but not the service manual. I assume this is a 1985 machine? I guess I should start with compression test?
Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Mike

ANSWER: Yes it is an 85 engine, and is likely worn out.  I cannot recommend any rebuilding, as such efforts rarely last long enough to justify the expense and trouble.

A new engine would be the way to go, or at least a shortblock.

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

QUESTION: That seems a-little aggressive. Isn't there anything I could check? The engine has plenty of power and it does not make any noise. How about some oil additive? I could pull the heads off and take a look.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks Again
Mike

Answer
   Well, you could pull the heads and look at the cylinder wall,
and feel for the wear lip, which is the top of the cylinder wall that the rings dont reach, so that is the original diameter of the
cylinder, just run your fingernail up the cylinder wall until you
feel it.  If you can feel it, then your engine is badly worn.
    Also look for any possible air leaks into the engine, as that
can increase oil consumption, and also let more dirt in and wear the engine faster, also take apart and inspect the breather, follow the tube from the air cleaner/filter.  All in all, you will likely determine that the oil consumption is from worn out rings, namely
the oil control rings.  I wish that there was some miracle additive,
but I have not found one yet.



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