Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 16hp ohv =bluish/white smoke, blown head gasket, briggs stratton

Question
My riding lawnmower has white/bluish colored smoke coming out the exhaust, especially at low rpms. I was thinking blowby, just like a car. Maybe burnt piston rings? It's a Briggs & Stratton 16 Hp OHV engine. Model # 310707, type 0136-e1. I let my in-laws use it for over 2 years. I just changrd the oil and spark plug. Still smoking. I was wanting to overhaul it. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Answer
Hello Allen:

If the Oil Level is Correct and the Oil Does Not have a Gas Smell to it, then Check for a Blown Head Gasket between the Compression Chamber and the Valve Stem Chamber. The Head Gasket Blown this Way will Not Cause a Miss, but Does cause Smoking. This is a Common Problem with the OHV Engines. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers (310707-0136). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 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