Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Snow Thrower, craftsman snow thrower, storage time


Question
This is my second season with my Craftsman 9HP snow thrower. At the end of last season, I drained both the gas and oil before storing.

Over this weekend, I filled up with new gas and oil. The thrower runs fine but, when I tip the thrower back on it's rear wheels (when changing direction), oil runs out from the bottom of the motor.

I tightened the oil drain tube and cap. But I still lose oil when tipping back. Not a lot, just kind of a runny, dripping sort that ends when the thrower is level again.

I thought I may have added to much oil. I can't clearly see the Add/Full line on the dip stick with the new, clean oil.

Any ideas ?
Remedies ?

Thanks from cold and snowy New England,
Ted

Answer
Hi Ted,

An over filled oil level would be the first thing to check.  It IS hard to see the level with clean oil but re-check it under a bright light.  lowering the level if it is too full would be an easy fix.  If the level is correct then you will need to look at exactly where the oil is coming from.  

Let me know what you find.

Good Luck,
Michael
[Also in New England]...and cold.

On a storage note, I like to refill the crankcase with new oil at storage time.  Old oil has acids and contamination.  By adding new oil and running it for 5 minutes, all the parts get coated with clean oil.  
Also, after I drain the old fuel out I refill with fresh, stabilized gas.  When I run the new mixture into the carb [At the same time I run the engine for the oil] the old fuel gets flushed out.  A very common "no starting" problem after storage, is from gummed fuel in a carb after it sits.  Even if the old fuel is drained and the carb run dry, some untreated fuel may remain and cause problems.