QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I have a 17 HP B&S engine about 9 years old well mantained.
After running for 20 minutes or so it started to stall, and a huge cloud of blueish white smoke was pouring out from exhaust. This cloud remained over my property for some time. After waiting a few minutes it started with a little puff of smoke and then ran fine, until the next time i used it. The following week it did the same thing
so I put it away. I was wondering if the cold temp has anything to do with it. It was about 45 to 50 degrees F.
I always felt that I should of got the engine with oil pump rather then splash type because my yard has many slopes.
thank you for any help
ANSWER: Hello Anthony:
If the Crankcase Oil is at the Correct Level and is Not Contaminated with Gas, then this Engine has a Blown Head Gasket. The Head Gasket will Blow Between the Push Tube Galley and the Compression Chamber. Replace the Head Gasket and Set the Valve Clearance and the Smoking will Stop. The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke. On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: How would I know if there's gas in the oil?
Would it show on the dipstick as too much oil?
Or can you actually see the gas on the dipstick?
Thank you
John
AnswerHello Again Anthony:
1- Usually the Crankcase Oil is Overfilled; 2- you can Smell the Gas Odor in the Crankcase Oil. 3- the Crankcase Oil will be Unusally Thinner than Normal from the Gas. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
