Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Occassionally smokes (oil) on startup., head gasket, oil smoke

Question
QUESTION: I have a twelve year old 17 horse Kawasaki, air cooled, single cylinder engine that on occasion will blow oil smoke when started.  The oil smoke continues for several minutes each time this happens, like the oil ran into the muffler and is slowly being burned out.  What can I do to fix this problem?

ANSWER: Hello Brian:

>>From your Description it Sounds like the Oil Rings may be Worn and Allowing Oil to Seep into the Cylinder During Non Use.
>>How Often and How Much Oil has to be Added to this Engine?
>>Is there Any Power Loss?
>>Send me the Make, Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you.
>>Thanks.

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John,
Code= FC540V-FS15, E/NO= FC540VA93205
Kawasaki 17 hp manufactured 05/98 currently has 320.5 hrs.
I change the oil every 25 hrs and the engine never needs any oil added between oil changes.
The engine seems to have plenty of power and runs fine.

Thank you,


Brian

Answer
Hello Again Brian:

>>From your Answers to my Questions about the Oil use and Power Loss, I can Tell you the Smoke may Not be Oil Smoke, but the Smoking may be Due to Excess Gas in the Cylinder During Start Up.
>>This is Usually caused by the Carburetor Float Needle Valve Not Seating Correctly, the Carburetor Solenoid (if the engine has one) is Not Operating as Designed and is Leaking enough gas into the Cylinder over time that the Engine is Slightly Flooded an Smokes when First Started.
>>It can be Oil Smoke if the Head Gasket is Leaking between the Block and the Cylinder Head. Usually the Oil Port Section of the Gasket is Not Sealing Correctly.
>>You can View a Breakdown of this Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kawpowr.com/ and Select Parts Catalog at the Left of the Page. Now Select 4 Stroke Engines. Now Select your Engine (Select any Code except SSO). Now Select the File you wish to View Online.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John