Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Ar;iens 1540 Over heats, overhead valve engines, briggs and stratton

Question
Our Ariens 1540 15.5hp overheats after about an hour of running (a bit longer if it's cold outside).  None of our local repair guys can figure it out - but through the grape vine we heard it could be some bearing in the mower?  ty

Answer
Hello Janis:

This Unit came with Several Engines as a Power Plant. They have Briggs, Kohler and Kawaski. Some of the Kawaski Engines Installed were Water Cooled. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. If this is a Briggs and Stratton Engine, then the Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. You can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of the Engine. However, here are a Few Items that can be Checked. 1- If this Power Plant is Water Cooled, then Check the Water Pump. Usually the Impellers Wear Out and the Pump Does Not Circulate the Water Properly to Cool the Engine. 2- If this is a Air Cooled Engine, then Check the Cooling Fins on the Flywheel and make sure they are Not Broken and there is No Dirt or Trash Under the Blower Housing. 3- Check the Flywheel Key and Ensure it is Not Damaged. If the Flywheel Key is Damaged, then the Unit Runs Hot Due to Improper Timing of the Plug Firing. This is Similar to Advancing and Retarding a Cars Distributor. If Set Improperly, then Engine Runs Hotter than Normal. The Key can be Slightly Damaged and Change the Plug Timing Enough to Heat up the Engine. 4- Check the Exhaust Port and Muffler for Restrictions. A Small Bee/Wasp (they are called Dirt Dobbers around here) will Make a Nest in the Muffler and Restrict the Exhaust Flow and Cause the Engine to Heat Up. 5- Some of these Engine have Crankshaft Bearings. If these Bearing are Bad or Going Bad, then the Engine will Overheat also. 6- Any Component that is Operated by the Engine can Cause the Engine to Overheat if they have Bad/Binding Bearings. The Extra Load that the Bad/Binding Bearings cause Heats up the Engine more than Normal. The Engine Model Numbers will Help me Assist you Better and More Correctly Diagnose the Possible Causes of this Problem. 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