Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs and Stratton 694cc 18 HP White Smoke :(, briggs and stratton, crankcase breather

Question
Hello there,

I've got and old John Deere with a transplanted Briggs and Stratton 18hp Model 422707 Type 0138 01 Code 84101912.

I've had a few problem free years out of it.   At the start of this season, I changed plugs, got a new filter, sharpen blades, Did a little touch up painting and got to cut "most" of the grass before turning it over to my son.  About 10 minutes later, he tells me that he had to shut it off because of "lots" of smoke pouring out of it...

Depressed, I let it sit in the field for about a week and today, the ever growing grass convinced me that I needed to fix it.  

Pulled the air cleaner, removed the baseplate, cleaned the top and around the perimeter of the carb, cleaned the linkages then fired it up to see what it was doing.....

Got to cut "most" of what I wanted to cut but then, started seeing the smoke.....Kind of a white smoke with oily smell that quit shortly after disengaging that pto.  

Scratched head, decided to run it some more, cut more grass, ignored slight smoke and then a significant loss of power and considerably more smoke..... Killed the pto,

Smoke is continuing, but motor is sounding like it doesn't want to....Pulled the air cleaner and found white smoke coming out of what I am guessing is a crankcase vent tube piped into the inner perimeter of the air filter area.

I was thinking rings???, but really not seeing anything out of the ordinary coming from the exhaust....Too much gas???, but it really didn't smooth out when I altered the  choke position.

Any pointers would be sincerely appreciated!

Regards,
Steve  

Answer
Hello Steve:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. If the Oil Level is Correct, then Remove and Clean the Crankcase Breather. If After Cleaning the Crankcase Breather the Problem Persists, then Check the Compression of the Engine Once the Smoking Starts. It is Possible the Rings are Worn to a Point that they can No Longer Expand as the Cylinder Expands. Once the Engine Temperature is Hot Enough the Cylinder will Expand Past the Point the Rings Seal is Slowly Lost and the Engine Loses Power. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (XXXXXX) and Type Numbers (XXXX) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John