Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda burning oil, honda lawnmower, stroke fuel

Question
My 8 year old 21 inch Honda lawnmower has just started burning oil particularly on starting, huge amounts of smoke! smoking lets up a little upon idling down and mowing. It has been running fine with very little oil consumption, it start on first pull. It was fine one day and the next  started the oil burnig like crazy. I had it tuned up last year. Can you help?

Answer
Being that an engine can't wear out instantly or intermittently, burning oil this way indicates an excessive oil level or the mower has been tipped up in a way other than spark plug up (ie. when cleaning out underneath mower).  Unless someone has put mixed two stroke fuel in your gas can!  Hope this helps.