QuestionQUESTION: Hi John,
I have a MTD lawn tractor with a Tecumseh model OHV125 12 ½ HP engine.
It's started leaking a lot of oil. I haven't determined exactly where the leak is, but I can tell you the general area. The oil is accumulating on the top surface of the engine mounting plate, which rules out the source being down below where the crankshaft comes out. It looks as though it might be running down the front of the engine at the base of the cylinder. There's no obvious cracks or loose Bolts that I can see.
The engine seems to be running fine with no obvious new noises. While I shut it off as soon as I noticed the leaked oil, I could start it up again, carefully looking for new oil.
I should mention that the for mentioned plate which has the engine mounted on it, is mounted to the frame with bolts through rubber grommets. I noticed 2 of those bolts are very loose, allowing the front of the engine and plate to move sideways (perpendicular to the piston movement) a total of maybe one quarter inch.
I've heard this kind of loose mounting can destroy an engine like this, though specifically what damage occurs, I don't know.
If you have some idea where that oil is likely coming from, or at least what I should do to zero in more on what the problem is, I'd greatly appreciate any i
ANSWER: Hello Doug:
Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. However, Most Times the Oil Pan Gasket is the Source of the Leak. The Loose Mounting Bolts Allowed Extra Movement and Rubbed the Oil Pan/Sump Against the Block and Damaged the Oil Pan/Sump Gasket. Also your Location of Where the Oil Seems to be Coming from Gives it Away. This is a Simple Process. Drain the Oil and Remove the Engine 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. Remove the Oil Pan. 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. Set the Governor So it Will be Resting on the Governor Shaft Once the Oil Pan/Sump is Replaced and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. Remember to Clean the Mating Surfaces and 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. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Thank you so much for the prompt and through answer.
Here are 2 more numbers off the Tecumseh Model OHV125 engine:
203003A and serial 3028D. Hopefully this indicates the appropriate manual.
Thanks again, Doug
AnswerHello Again Doug:
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 (OHV125-203003A). Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. The Breakdown of the Oil Pan/Sump is on Page 4 of 8. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
