Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower leaking oil, oil leaks

Question
My Craftsman mower model 917.377795 with 5.5 hp Honda engine started leaking oil at the cylinder head cover at a large rate. I couldn't get the cover off. Could this be caused by hitting something? Your thoughts before I take it to a repair shop. Mower seems to run OK but oil poured  out upon starting and I immediately turned it off!

Answer
Hello John,  

This is the first time I've ever heard of a Craftsman mower with a Honda engine. They 'usually' come w/ Tecumseh or Briggs & Stratton engines.  In any event,  you didn't mention if your machine is a     2 stroke or 4 stroke engine?

My guess is that you likely don't mix the oil with the gas, which means that it's most probably a four stroke.

By the sound of what you've described there could be a broken seal.  There are two seals in place to keep oil inside the crankcase.   One is situated on the flywheel side, and the other is on the side of the drive. Once an oil seal becomes defective oil will start leaking all over the engine and you'll note that the engine doesn't perform very  well.

Ignition points can get fouled rather badly by errant
engine oil..  Seals can most likely be changed without removing the crankshaft. Unless you have some degree of experience with broken seals, and\or possess a good quality technician's handbook (manual) by your manufacturer, then take the machine to a local (qualified) small engine mechanic, for further diagnostics.

I hope I've been of some help to you.

Regards,

Howard