Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 18.5 Briggs and Stratton Smoking, briggs stratton engine, briggs and stratton

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2004 Craftsman DYT400 with a 18.5 hp Briggs & Stratton Engine. It has been sitting all winter. Before i started engine, I changed oil and oil filter, and air filter and put in new gas. Battery was dead so I jump started with my pickup. Lawn mower started right up. Then engine started surging but it continued running. I mowed for around 30 minutes and got into a little taller grass. The engine bogged down a little and then mower started smoking excessively. I turned the mower off. I then rechecked the oil to make sure it was good. Oil showed good. I restarted and engine runs fine but smokes alot. Engine only has 24 hours on it. Any ideas
ANSWER:   Hello Rob:

 Is the Smoke Black or Bluish in Color? If the Smoke is Black, then the Carburetor Air Mixture May Require a Slight Adjustment or the Carburetor Float Needle is Sticking and the Carburetor should be Removed, Disassembled and Soaked Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Kit. Send me the Model, Type and Code Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate a Breakdown/IPL and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John

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

QUESTION: The smoke is a light bluish in color. It has a very different smell but does not smell like oil burning. Model number is 31P777, Type number is 0348-E1, I noticed when I went and got this info off the engine, underneath the muffler there is oil. I would not think with 24 hours on it that there would be something this major wrong with engine. Thanks for your help.

Answer
 Hello Rob:

 You are Sure the Engine Isn't Over Filled with Oil, So we will Start with the Basics. It is Unusal to have Problems this early, but it is Not Unheard Of. You can View a Breakdown/IPL at this Addy http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0& and Enter the Model Numbers 31P777 and the Type Number 0348 and Click Search. Then Select View PDF. This is the Breakdown/IPL i am Using for Information on your Engine. Check the Crankcase Breather/Vent (pg 2 of 13 Diagram # 584) and the Reed (pg 2 of 13 Diagram #1263) and Ensure the Breather/Vent is Operating Properly. Check the Compression Also. A Blown Head Gasket will Cause this Problem Also. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John