Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere STX 38, crankcase oil, gasket kit


Question

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi John,

I recently had a gas leak in my carburetor so I purchased a carburetor gasket kit and installed it.  I had some older gas in there and needed to drain it as it produced white smoke while turning over and never stayed running.  I replaced the gas filter and it starts and almost seems normal.  It doesn't seem to have the speed that it once had. Should I be concerned, adjust the governor, or just leave it alone?  I'm not sure how to adjust the governor, please advise.

Thanks,
Dana
-----Answer-----
 Hello Dana:

 STOP!!! Did you Change the Crankcase Oil? Smell the Crankcase OIL. It Will Most Likely Smell of Gas. The White Smoke is a Dead Giveaway of Gas in the Crankcase. This Will Also cause the Power Loss. The Oil Looses Viscosity and Cant Lubricate as Well with the Gas thinning it. I Hate to Say, but you May have Damaged the Engine; Depending on How Long you have Run the Engine and How Much Load was Applied (how much grass was cut). Drain the Crankcase and Allow it to Vent to Air for 24 hrs. This Allows Time for the Gas to Evaporate from the Crankcase. Refill With SAE 30 Engine Oil. **Do Not Overfill** Install a Manual Cutoff Valve in the Gas Line to the Carburetor and Turn Off the Gas Flow to the Carburetor After Each Use. The New Carburetor Kit will Correct this Problem of Flooding for a Few Months and then it Will Start Over Again. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John


Hi John,

Thanks for the quick response.  There is no white smoke anymore.  As far as a load, all that I did was drive it around the driveway twice.  I will change the oil, I should be able to tell if there was gas in there once I drain it.

Regards,
Dana

Answer
 Hello Dana:

 Great!!! There shouldn't be any Damage then. Thanks for the E-Mail Update. May all your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Till Next Time.

 Best Wishes and Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John