Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Gravely mower, blown head gasket, breather vent

Question
Hello, I have a 1998 Gravely riding mower 24hp. One day it wouldnt start so we checked everything and noticed (after I had it serviced)that there wasnt much oil in it-so we added more oil it ran fine 4 about 45 min. and then oil sprayed out of it,smoked and died. Let it sit 4 a few days thing crap we're gonna spend 2,000 on a new motor. We put a brand new battery on it(cause it wouldnt start) added oil-it started fine but noticed that there was a small leak coming from the tube that the dipstick goes into-took out gasket but it looks fine. Whats your thinking?

Answer
Hello Jill:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was in the Question Pool. Did you Accidently Over Fill the Engine Oil? From your Description it can be the Crankcase Breather/Vent Isn't Operating Properly or the Compression Rings are Trashed. When you Say Sprayed Oil Out of It. From Where Did the Oil Spray? Muffler, Under the Blower Housing, or ect.? With the Dipstick Seal Leaking, I'm Leaning Towards the Crankcase Breather/Vent. On Some Engine Models a Blown Head Gasket will Cause this Also. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower and the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist you. You can Try this Site Addy, http://www.gravely.com/ and Select Parts Radar on the Lower Left of the Page. Hope this Helps. Thanks.

Respectfully

John