Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Oil Leak in Mower, thick grass, filter area

Question
Hi,

Today I started my lawn mower (Toro 4 cycle) and some oil spit out though the muffler.  It also sounded very loud upon starting. I let it run for a bit and the smoke cleared, then mowed my lawn.  The whole time I mowed there was a little smoking around the air filter area.  It sounded louder than usual too, expecially then mowing through thick grass. It is sort of a clanging sound.  Do you know what my problem could be?

Thanks in advance.
Joe

Answer
Hi Joe,

Sorry for my delay.  The holiday was busy here.

Maybe the mower got tipped and oil got into where it shouldn't be.  Or there might be an internal engine problem.  If it doesn't clear up you could check the exhaust valve.  You might need to disassemble the engine or run it until it fails.  What you decide, may depend on how old the mower is.

Good Luck,
Michael

I am swamped with questions and won't be able to take follow up questions until next week.  Sorry.