QuestionQUESTION: 15.5HP Briggs&Stratton Vanguard OHV Model 28Q700 Type 0691-E1. It suddenly choked down and began blowing clouds of white smoke. I checked the oil--level was perfect (between holes on dipstick), but the oil was very black and had faint smell of gas.
I removed the air filter and although the filter is not soaked, there is oil down in the throat to the carburetor.
I pulled the float bowl, and the float is not stuck--it moves freely.
The mower will still crank--When I tried it, it ran down the driveway (no cutting) when I turned it around it choked down again and upon cranking again blew a huge cloud of white smoke.
Any suggestions as to what next? Thanks so much for your help.
ANSWER: The crankcase breather is bad. Follow the rubber hose on the air filter bracket or carburetor body that goes to the block. The little box it attaches to is the breather. The part number is 696126 and I have it listed for $25.10.
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QUESTION: I've replaced the crankcase breather and changed oil & filter. Before I crank it again (and risk contaminating oil with gas again due to air leak??) I noticed a bolt/screw is missing, but am unsure what size screw to buy. The place I believe a bolt/screw is missing is between the starter and muffler--and is approx 2-7/8" above the muffler bracket screw.
1--Do you know what size bolt/screw goes here (I can find out dia & thread but don't know if length is important)?
2--Could this have caused an air leak / contributed to the original problem?
Thanks
Gary
AnswerI don't know what size the screw is and I'm not sure what it is offhand.
Watch the oil very closely for gas. If it continues, the carburetor will need to be rebuilt. It could have come from the breather, but usually it's from a needle that's not seating.
