Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): riding mower, briggs and stratton, head gasket

Question
i have a saber/john deere 1742hs 17hp briggs and stratton.. it started blowing thick smoke from exhaust.. upon inspection, found puddle of oil in the cylinder.. i replaced the piston rings, valve seal(not guides), several other gaskets that came with kit.. put it back together ecept the hood, couple of shrouds, deck and so forth.. fired it up, seems to only be smoking the oil outside the engine, on the exhaust, ect. but my exhaust pipe is glowing red, and in a short time too.. i read in your forum that it could be the flywheel key, wich i had to replace as well(alum).. i would apreciate any help u could give me on this.. thanx scott

Answer
Hello Scott:

Are you Sure you Didn't Miss the Valve Timing by a Tooth when Timing the Cam and Crankshaft? Are the Valve Clearances Set Correctly? Is the Muffler Restricted? From your Description it Sounds like the Head Gasket had Blown and the Engine Did Not Require a Re-Ring. On the OHV Engines, the Head Gasket will Blow Between the Push Tube Galley and the Compression Chamber and the Engine will Smoke as you Described. I Suggest you Check the Flywheel Key, the Muffler and the Valve Clearances. If the Flywheel Key has Been Damaged Again, then Check the Torque that you are Using for the Flywheel Nut. It May Not be Enough Torque. If All of these are Good, then Most Likely the Valve Timing is Off by 1 Tooth and has to be Realigned. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (Sabre) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Please, Do Not Hesitate, 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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