Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower still not working right, precise intervals, smoke alot

Question
Hi John,
Randy again, so I wrote to you before about my Craftsman 6.0 push lawnmower. It was blowing black smoke making a loud ticking noise from the motor, mowing but not sucking the grass into the bag and eventually not really having power to go. I pulled out the muffler and cleaned it and the exhaust port with wd40. I drained the gas and replaced it I changed the oil and I replaced the spark plug. Now it's still making the loud noise and blowing white smoke (alot) What should I do next. The lawn mower is only 5 years old, don't tell it's time for a new one already. I've never had a problem with it.
Thanks for your help
Randy

Answer
 Hello Randy:

 The White Smoke means you may have Overfilled the Crankcase or have gotten Oil into the Crankcase Vent when you Drained the Old Oil. It should Burn away unless Overfilled. Has the Blade been Replaced or is this the Original Blade?  If the Lift Ears have Worn Off the Blade then it Cant Lift and Blow the Clippings. The Ticking Noise is what has me Confused. Ive never had anyone explain a problem about a Motor to me using the Phrase Ticking. Could you mean a Slight Knock? Then you say a Loud Noise. The Loud Noise; Does it sound like a Hammer Inside the Engine Hitting at Precise Intervals? If Yes, then the Connecting Rod is Damaged. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John