QuestionHi, My mower started smoking today.White smoke pours out of the front of the motor. It's a Briggs & Straton Craftman, Model#310707, Type0137E1,Code020417ZA, 17hp ovh. I checked the oil, it was low,so I added some. The smoke is very heavy and only does it when I have the the blades going. It started to stahl out, I pulled the plug, it was black with oil, I cleaned it up, started it again & it was still the same. After 10mins. the mower starts to chug again, I stopped the blades & it continued to run rough. Not sure how old it is, probably 97-99? It did this last year, I over filled the oil, the problem when away after a while, when it has a load on it,(tall grass) it will puff white smoke, but nothing like this. Can you help me please, I'm not a full mechanic, but, I can understand the basics. Someone told me it might be the rings, that's over my head. Please help, single mom and full time maintanence person around here. Thanks. Kim
AnswerHello Kim:
From your Description, it Sounds like the Carburetor May be Slightly Flooding the Engine while Under a Load. White Smoke is Usually a Sign of Gas and Oil Mixing. What are you Calling the Front of the Engine? Is it where the Spark Plug is Located or the Flat Surface End of the Engine? If the Only Time the Smoke Occurs is When ther is a Load on the Engine, then Check the Head Gasket. It May be Blown Between the Valves and the Compression Chamber. When this Happens, the Vacuum on the Intake Stroke Pulls Oil from the Crankcase Around the Push Tubes and you Have the Problem you Described. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select the File # 31. Then Select the Folder # 310700. I am Leaning Toward the Head Gasket. I Would Check this First, then the Carburetor. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
