Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Wheel Horse Running rich, wheel horse, drive shaft

Question
Hello,

  I have a 1980 Whell Horse B-165 Lawn Tractor with a twin opposed 16 H.P. B&S , it has very bad fumes, and all around the area where the exaust exits the muffler is black with carbon. I replaced the spark plugs, removed the old point-condensers, and coil, and replaced them with a new coil and electronic ignition unit, and I installed a new breather,I also rebuilt the carburetor but still no change. Would you have any suggestions? I also have another question if you don't mind, I have a 2 year old Ryobi 31cc weed trimmer, and it vibrates badly at full throttle, it almnost seems like an internal engine problem. Thank you for any help! Bill  

Answer
Hi Bill,

Black exhaust and fumes would indicate burning oil.  Does it use oil?  24 years old adds up to quite a bit of hours on the engine.  Does it run okay?

Does the trimmer vibrate near the bottom?  Could the string head be out of balance or is it just at the engine end?  I don't know what might be out of balance in the engine itself.  An area to check, might be in the upper bearing of the drive shaft.

Michael