QuestionQUESTION: I have a Sabre (made by John Deere) 1438HS with a Briggs & Stratton 14.5hp engine. This was purchased new in 2001. Last year, I periodically had white smoke emitting from the exhaust when the engine was warming up. Once it was warm, no real issues.
I changed the oil before starting things up this year and went with the spec of 1.5 quarts and the dip stick has the level right on full. When I'm mowing now, I'm getting the white smoke most often when I'm mowing on an incline to the right (right side of the tractor is farther uphill). As soon as I make the turn and go the other way, smoke stops. It also takes about 5-10 seconds for the smoke to start when I'm on the incline to the right.
I also noticed that there is oil that appears in the compartment beneath the air filter. I've soaked that up when troubleshooting and the same problem occurs and the oil comes back to the filter area. I've gone as far as to drain some oil so that I'm on the low end of the dip stick and the same thing happens.
I obviously have a problem of some sort. Can you provide some guidance as to what it may be? Even if you can go so far as advise me from a cost standpoint what may make the most sense. If I need to replace the motor, is this something I can do myself? Luckily, my dad was a tractor mechanic for 40+ years so I can tap his experience if I go this route.
ANSWER: Hello Guy:
This Sounds like the Crankcase Breather/Vent Requires Cleaning or Replacing. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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. The Oil in the Air Filter Box and the Odd Angle the Engine has to be in for it to Smoke are Also a Clue. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hey John,
Unfortunately, first attempting to clean, and then finally replacing the breather did not help. With the new breather install, I can watch oil come up the breather hose into the air filter area. I took the air filter assembly and breather hose/breather apart and cleaned everything out really well and within a minute or so, I have oil in the air filter area with the white smoke.
Do you think we're talking about the cylinder head gasket at this point? How difficult is it to try to replace this? I see some other references to needing a torque wrench to do this. Or am I getting over my head here? My Dad was a tractor mechanic so I have the tendency to think I have some mechanical aptitude, but it doesn't always prove to be true.
Thanks for your help on this one!
AnswerHello Guy:
Yes, it Sounds like the Cylinder Head Gasket is Blown Between the Push Tube Galley and the Compression Chamber (Cylinder). Using the Engine Breakdown at the JD Website; Remove the Blower Housing. Remove the Valve Cover. Remove the Intake and Carburetor. Remove the Muffler. Remove the Rocker Arms and the Push Tubes. Now Remove the Head Bolts. Replace the Head Gasket and Reassemble the Engine. Leave the Valve Cover Off Until the Engine is Reassembled and then Set the Valve Clearance. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** Replace the Valve Cover. The Bolt Torque for this Engine can be Located at this Site Addy; http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/briggs_head_torques.asp . You will Need to Purchase an Inch Pound Torque Wrench. 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
