Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B &S 6.5 ohv (2001) smoking and oil, piston ring, compression test

Question
My son was mowing the lawn when a heavy white smoke started blowing out of the exhaust after restarting the engine.  He turned it off and then started in again it sputtered and died.  It was started 10 minuted later and it ran fine after burning the oil off.  I noticed oil had spewed from the the exhaust.  After several bag dumpings, the problem started all over again. Do I need a new Mower?

Answer
Hi Marc,

If the oil level is correct and the mower wasn't tipped on it's side, then there may be engine damage. A piston ring might have cracked and is allowing oil to blow by and burn.  You could do a compression test but the engine just may be shot.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael