Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deer 160 & Scott 17.5 Briggs lawn Tractor, carburetor body, crankcase breather

Question
John,
I inherited two problem lawn tractors for my baseball program. I need to decided which one to keep for the team and dump the second.
The John Deer 160 13.5 HP Kawasaki.  Runs at low idle, give it gas and it flutters,  maybe not getting enough gas is my thought.  Engine dies as soon as PTO is engaged.

Scott's 17.5 hp Briggs lawn tractor.  This one starts but smokes like crazy underload.  Plugs foul with oil.  Possible  ring problem.

Please let me know you thoughts.  We need a lawn tractor to maintain our baseball field.

Thanks,

Mike

Answer
Hello Mike:

Both are Good Units. 1- JD 160: From your Description, it Sounds like the carburetor Requires a Good Soaking.  **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** 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 (160) and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 2- JD Scotts: The Crankcase Breather May Require Cleaning or Replacing. If the Crankcase Breather is Not Operating Properly, then Oil can be Sucked Into the Carburetor and Cause the Fouling of the Plug as you Described. 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 (Scotts) and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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