Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): blows white smoke, crankcase ventilation, oil breather

Question
B&S 16.5 Mdl 313777.  Changed oil, new oil filter,new plug, new air filter.  When started sometimes blows small amount of white smoke. When under load the neighbors come to help. Oil in top of carb but not in filter. When dip stick cover is unscrewed while running a little oil spritzes out. I can't tell if smoke is from muffler, but seems to be under front of engine. Oil does not smell like gas, and is not being consumed in quantity. Could it be as simple as the oil breather? Are they cleanable or replaced?      Thanks

Answer
Hiya Mavis
First thing - re-check the oil level !  If thats ok, then yep your crankcase ventilation breather is probably clogged.  Should be a tube running from the breather housing to the carb, the breather housing unbolts easily and the thing comes out, wash it in kerosene and blow it out with compressed air.
Lemme know what you find ok?