Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 13.5HP Murray Riding Lawn Mower, murray riding mower, engine crankcase

Question
Hello, I bought a Murray riding mower w/ a 13.5 hp motor from Home Depot about 1 1/2 years ago. Towards the end of the summer I decided to change the oil, upon changing the oil, checking the level, I started the motor and white smoke started pouring out of the engine, smelt like burnt rubber. I believed the bearing seised but the home depot repair shop said I  did not have enough oil in the case, but I am sure I did and it leaked out before I got it to the service place (saw the puddle of oil in back of pick-up), could there be another cause for the broken rod in the motor?  

Answer
Too much oil can cause the rod to fail.

More commonly, if the carburetor leaks gas the gas will flow into the engine crankcase which thins the oil.  This will also cause a "lack of lubrication" which can cause a rod to fail.

We find quite of few carburetors that leak and thin the oil.

Does this help?
Eric