Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Ford YT16 Garden Tractor leaking oil, briggs stratton, oil sump

Question
Hello,

I have recently purchased a 1990 Ford YT16 garden tractor.  It's engine is a Briggs & Stratton 16 H.P. Twin II (according to the decal on the engine).  My problem is that the engine has developed a significant oil leak.  The first thing I checked was oil level, and it was where it should be and not overfull.  After degreasing the engine, I ran it up to temperature, and it appears the source of the oil is either the top or right hand side of the starter.  The engine otherwise runs strong with lots of power.  I'm wondering if the problem is due to it's long storage (6 years unused) prior to my purchasing and recomissioning it.

I'm hoping you can shed some light on this.  Although I've rebuilt car engines in the past, this is my first garden tractor and I'm reluctant to start tearing things apart without knowing exactly what to expect.   

Thank you for your time and any insights.  

Answer
Hello Doug,
Sorry for thje delay. I think you should change up the oil. It is a pretty old tractor butr seems to sound like its running fine except for this little leak. If the starter is mounted somewhere near the oil sump at the bottom you may have a little hole in one of the blots to position the starter. If you do see any cracks try and lightly weld it or patch it with something. Hope this helps. Let me know how it works out.