Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Smoke coming from exhaust, blown head gasket, ohv engines

Question
John,
I have a JD Sabre 1538HS with a 15.5 I/C OHV Briggs and Stratton.  Today it started smoking at the exhaust and would only run for a couple of minutes before dying. I checked the oil level and spark, both were ok.  I can't find any leaks coming from the crank case. The only external oil I see is coming from the muffler.  Could it be a bad piston ring allowing the oil to blow by?  THANKS!

Answer
Hello Aaron:

Check for a Blown Head Gasket Between the Cylinder and the Push Tube Galley. This is a Common on OHV Engines. There is No Power Loss, but Smoking as if a Cracked/Broken Piston Ring. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (Sabre) and Click Find. Then Select your Model File. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John