Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Oil Leak - Tecunsel OHV125, dowel pins, crankshaft seal

Question
Hi John, Doug had a leak that sounds just like mine in Oct 07. I'd like to know how he got on. I have a lot of oil at the bottom of the engine. Appears to be coming from the join in the crank case just below the cylinder. Engine runs fine, but leaks about 200 ml of oil for each fuel tank. (Keeps the steering linkages lubricated :)) How much work is involved in splitting the engine, or should I just keep the oil up to it?

Answer
Hello Mark:

If the Sump/Base/Oil Pan Gasket is Leaking, then Either the Bolts have Vibrated Loose and Allowing the Leak or the Gasket Requires Replacing. I Feel the Most Time Consuming Part of this Repair is Removing the Engine from the Frame. Here is the Instruction File for Replacing the Sump/Base/Oil Pan Gasket and Internal Governor. **This is a Simple Process. Drain the Oil and Remove the Engine from the Frame to the Work Bench with the Oil Pan Facing Up. I have a Wooden Rest that was Especially Made to Hold the Engine when in this Position. Using Fine Sand Paper, Remove ALL the Rust and Debris from the Crankshaft. Remove the Oil Pan Bolts. After All the Oil Pan Bolts are Removed; Tap Lightly on the Sides of the Oil Pan to Loosen it from the Dowel Pins. When the Oil Pan is Removed, you can See the Governor Resting on Top of the Cam Gear. Lift Off and Replace with a New Governor. Check the Engine Block for Debris from the Old Governor and Wipe the Inside of the Block With a Rag, Until Clean. Set the Governor So it is Resting on the Governor Shaft and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. Remember to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket. If the Crankshaft Seal Was Not Leaking, then Leave it Alone. It Should be OK. You can Easily Replace it While Mounted on the Machine if Required Later. Make Sure the Governor Stays in Contact with the Governor Shaft while Replacing the Oil Pan. Re - Mount the Engine to the Machine. Refill With Oil. These Instructions are Basic. Your Internal Governor May Differ.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. 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