Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine emits white smoke, briggs stratton, leak down test

Question
Hi Tom,

I have a 17 HP Sears lawn Tractor (model # 917.270732) that is approximately 5 years old. It recently started to lose (burn - no leaks) oil and emit white smoke when I shut it off or when it is working hard. I checked the spark plug and it was fouled pretty bad. Also, when I put the throttle in high it stalls and emits a heavy cloud of white smoke. I change the oil regularly and perform maintenance as needed.

The engine is a Briggs & Stratton 17HPOHV, IC Platinum, Intek, Turbo Cool. The Model # is 311707, the Type is 032-F3.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Tom


Answer
Tom, any possibility you could have got some water into either the gas tank or the fuel can you use to fill it with? This engine actually is a little new depending on the load it is under, and hours of use to be blowing this kind of oil. It would help me knowing the cylinder compressions, to either rule out rings, and a cylinder leak down test to confirm the cylinder integrity. Has the engine been flooded severely recently to have drawn fuel into the crankcase to have thinner the oil?  Also what type oil have you been using (weight & brand)? Usually burning oil is more a blueish color than white, white is a sign of water or moisture. Are you also sure your not losing oil due to leakage, these engines are know leakers...Tom