Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): oil burning smell, head gasket, push tube

Question
Hello,
I have a Craftsman TL1000 ride on mower model# 917.271660. It has a 17hp ovh briggs engine model# 310707. Today 7/16/07 it started smoking(burning oil smell). I bought it used about 3 months ago and this is the first time this has happened. I don't know if it has anything to do with it, but I used it on 7/13/07 to pull my 300lb trailer into the backyard. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Michael:

The 2 Most Common Causes for this are: 1- Check the Oil for being Over Filled and a Gas Smell. Usually When the Carburetor Needle Valve Does Not Seat Properly, this Happens. I have Pulled Heavier Objects with my Mower and Have No Damage Occur. 2- If the Crankcase is Not Over Filled with Oil and the Oil has No Gas Smell, then the Head Gasket May be Blown between the Cylinder and the Push Tubes. When this Happens, Oil is Sucked by the Push Tube and Into the Compression Chamber. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. 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 Numbers. 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John