Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 14 HP Briggs oil spitting out carb, breather vent, hp briggs

Question
I had work done on lawn mower.  They changed oil, spark plug, but not the air cleaner since I had changed it recently.  They did other work not related to the engine.  The engine spits oil out the carb in large amounts causing blue smoke out the exhaust, but mainly when under heavy load.  Heavy load is with mower engaged and going up a hill.  Once up the hill the blue smoke reduces and if I disengage the mower the blue smoke reduces greatly.  Until the next time up the hill.  The dealer believe it is a stuck piston ring and suggested adding "Sea Foam" to the gas.  I did and it has not had any effect, yet.  We are now talking about a new engine or a short block.  The mower is 12 years old, but was running great until the dealers work was done.  I checked the oil level and it is maybe slightly over filled, about 1/16 over the hole in the dip stick.  Similar to another question on this web site, could the breather be clogged with oil?  Engine Model 28P777 0641-A1 970326ZD

Answer
 Hello Lee:

 The Crankcase Breather/Vent May be the Cause of this Problem. Have you Checked the Compression yet? What is the Compression? You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine At this Addy http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0&... and Enter the Model Numbers 28P777 and the Type Numbers 0641 and Click Search. Then Select View PDF. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John