QuestionQUESTION: Hello John, I'll get right to the point. I read your answer involving a 14.5 B&S and an oil breather issue. I have a 14hp yardcruiser from snapper. A very nice machine. I have had it since it was new 97 I think. Anyway at 38" it was always kinda small for my 5 acres. I have since gotten a 50" Troy Bilt zero turn that so far I like very much, have you heard of any faults with the troy bilt??
Anyway back to this snapper. It hasn't been used much in the last couple of years but it has always been kept indoors and used on occasion every year. Anyway I was planing to find it another home so I wanted to do some maint on it. So I started it yesterday did all the right things and it stalled like three times before I finally pulled the plug Well I never seen a more carbonized plug in my life wet with oil also. Any way got another plug pulled the air filter, started it ran great like new EXCEPT for the large amount of oil spewing from the breather tube. Started checking this site ran across the post I mentioned. Looked it up through the link you provided for the other guy, know where it is but unsure what I will find when I pop that plate. Whats this thing look like, how should I clean it. Sorry the question is so long can't help it. Oh and am I on the right track with the symptoms I discribed
ANSWER: Hello Eric:
I haven't Heard a Lot of Bad Comments on the Troy Bilt ZTM Yet. The Few Problems I have Seen were Assemble Problems (Loose Bolts Mostly). There are 2 Types of Crankcase Breathers/Vents. Send me the Model and Type Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Thanks.
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
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QUESTION: Mod 28707, type 0122-01. Thanks.
ANSWER: Hello Again Eric:
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 (287707-0122). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. There is Nothing to Fall Apart or Behind the Breather to Worry About. Remove the Carburetor. Then Remove the Crankcase Breather and Soak it in Carburetor Cleaner for a Few Hours. Rinse in Water and then Blow it Dry with Compressed Air. When Shaken Flat Ways, the Breather Should have a Slight Rattle to it Once Clean. The Plate you are Talking About is the Breather and is About 1/2 Inch Thick. Since this is an OHV Engine the Head Gasket May be Blown Between the Compression Chamber and the Valve Stem Chamber. This will Cause the Problem you Described Also. 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: Okay John I finally got around to cleaning the breather. Put it back together and I still have the same problem oil shooting out of the breather. Did a compression test and I got a reading of around 100 psi, so I not thinking head gasket but I am thinking oil rings and where do I go from here
AnswerHi Again Eric:
On the OHV Engine, the Head Gasket can Blow Between the Compression Chamber and the Valve Stem Galley and the Compression will be Affected Very Little. This will Cause the Engine to Smoke as you Described Also. I Suggest you Remove the Cylinder Head and Check/Replace the Head Gasket before Considering Internal Engine Work or a Short Block. I have had Many Questioners have the Problem you Described and in 20 to 30% of the Time the Head Gasket is the Cause for the Engine Smoke. The Head Bolt Torque is 220 Inch Pounds (Approx 17 to 20 Foot Pounds). The Valves are Set at .004in - .006in for the Intake and .008in - .010in for the Exhaust. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
