Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 17hpB&S on Husqvarna lth170 Ride on mower, head gasket, dipstick tube

Question
Hi Eric, When I hit a long patch of grass the engine belches white smoke and forces oil through the air cleaner which then runs down th outside of the engine. Stopping the blade and mower for a minute or so stops the smoke. Seems to occur whenever load applied. Could this be a head gasket or breather problem? What's your opinion?
Thanks. Ron

Answer
I would start by cleaning the breather and changing oil.  Sounds like the engine is loosing vacuum when under a load.  There may be a gasket leaking.  Check the dipstick tube o-ring and the dipstick tube gasket where it goes into the engine.

Does the oil smell like gasoline?

Let me know.
Eric