Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears Lawn Tractor, dipstick tube, good ear

Question
While mowing the lawn yesterday the engine backfired and blue smoke emerged from the exhaust.  I opened the hood and the plastic cover on the flywheel had blown off taking the dipstick tube with it.  After reattaching the dipstick tube I started the engine which ran smoothly with the exception of the continuous blue exhaust.  What's the likely problem?  What's the likely fix?  Will it damage the engine to continue to run the machine?  Thanks for the advice.

Answer
Don't continue to run the engine until you get this problem sorted out.  It sounds like the oil level is ridiculously high.  If it isn't, the problem may be mechanical and require partial teardown of the engine to determine.  However, I would advise you to locate a good shop and have someone with a good ear listen to the engine run before you start tearing it down.  Hope this helps.