Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 2005 Craftsman 42 deck 16 HP lawn Mower, engine model type, oil smoke

Question
The mower is difficult to start . I had the battery checked and it is fine. When I do get it to run Oil smoke from under the hood is present and it stops running after a few minutes. On the side of the motor next to the starter is a part that appears to be leaking oil. What is this part and is it the problem ( PVC ) stuck open?

Thanks for your response

Answer
Does the oil smell like gas and is the oil level correct?  What is the engine brand?  Briggs, Kohler, Tecumseh?  What is the engine model, type and code number?

The crancase breather (PCV) could be dirty and stuck open.  The breather is usually located on the carburetor side of in the valve cover for Briggs.  As for the oil leak, have you checked to see if a screw/bolt is loose and the gasket it good?

What weight oil are you using?

Let me know.

Eric