Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): oil leak bs engine, vertical shaft, overhead valve engines, horizontal shaft

Question
QUESTION: John:  I know I should have used the follow up feature but I didn't. You indicated that a probably cause of leaky crank seal is a bent crank. I understand that hitting a solid object can do that with a push mower, but this engine is too high to hit anything, besides it has a pulley on it. Are there other causes of a bent crank? Is there a worn bearing or bushing in the bottom of the engine that is causing it to not spin true. Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Bob:

I See Crankshafts that are Bent on Riding Mowers All the Time. Don't Ask me How they Bend them, but they get bent. Some Briggs Models have a Lower and Upper Crankshaft Bearing and Others Use the Sump/Oil Pan as a Matched Fit Bushing. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. You can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of the Engine. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: John: Here is the model # of my BS engine.
Model 253707
Type  0141-02
code  86061211

Answer
Hello Again Bob:

This Engine has a Lower and Upper Crankshaft Bushing Kit. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ and Enter the Model Numbers (253707) and the First 4 Type Numbers (0141) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. The Upper Bushing Kit (#19) is B&S Part #490666 and is Shown on Page 4 of 17 in the PDF Breakdown. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John