Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawnmower help, deck oil, chocolate brown

Question
hi there and thanks for serving in this cool way.
i have a newer Craftsman push mower with a INTEK OHV 6.5HP
engine and others have used it all summer, as I've been away.
It was run out of gas last time used but is good on oil.  New air
filter at start of summer.  It started very hard today, and smoked
like crazy.  The smoke got lighter and lighter until it (after
maybe 5 minutes) was invisible again.  
Any advice for us here?
Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Eddie,

I suspect that someone tipped the mower, maybe to scrape grass from under the deck.  Oil might have gotten where it normally isn't and is burning off.  If the smoking has passed, you should be okay.  If the spark plug looks any color other than chocolate brown, I would replace it.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael