Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda HR214 smoking at start-up, honda hr214, breather vent

Question
QUESTION: Hi John,
I repair lawnmowers as a hobby so I have alot of experience fixing weedwackers, snowblowers and lawnmowers.  This problem has me stumped.  I have an HR214 that smokes (blue - oil) like a mosquitoe fogger for about 3 minutes after startup.  After 3 minutes the smoke disappears.  I've cut my grass twice and it doesn't seem to use much oil.  I've put new rings in it but that hasn't helped.  The cylinder bore was perfect.  Anything that you know about these motors would be appreciated.  Do these breathers get plugged?  Never seen this as a problem on any other engine.  Thanks.

ANSWER: Hello Dan:

Did You De-Glaze the Cylinder? From your Description, it Sounds like the Oil is Seeping by the Rings. This Usually Occurs when the Cylinder Isn't De-Glazed and the Cylinder Wall and the Rings haven't Seated. Is the Engine Overfilled with Oil? Yes the Crankcase Breather/Vent can Clog Up. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram and Select the Catalog American Honda. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully  

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply.  The engine is not overfilled.  I check the oil level before the dipstick is screwed into fill tube by resting the dipstick on the top of the threads.  I assume this is the proper way to check a Honda.  I did not deglaze the cylinder when I put rings into it.  Never have done this before and have always had good luck.  The ring gap with the old rings was 0.030" and with the new rings 0.007" inch.  I could still see the cross hatch in the bore.  The breather was not plugged,..I took it apart and checked it.  I took the head off and there was a little oil between the head and the piston.  Maybe it is leaking by the rings, but I put the oil ring at 12:00 and the other two at 8:00 and 4:00 position.  The oil quantity didn't seem like more than about 5 drops.  Hard to believe 5 drops can cause all that smoke for so long.  Please confirm I'm checking my oil level properly (i.e. by not screwing the dipstick into the fill tube.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Again Dan:

You have Been Lucky with Not Deglazing the Cylinders. Even when you can See the Cross Hatch there is Still a Slight Glaze to Remove. The Rings will Eventually Seat, But you Will have to Contend with the Smoking at Start Up Until They Do. Also, the Oil is Checked with the Oil Dipstick Screwed to Seat. You are About a 1/2 Pint Over Full. Not Enought to Cause the Problem you are Having though. 5 Drops will Last a Long Time in a Cylinder. It Takes Time to Heat and Consume the Oil with the Gas During each Stroke. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully  

John