[RebelYankee]

Hi all,

New thread since this is a new topic.

I have the engine in my RER running pretty good, but it looks like it is burning oil. I saw oil leaking from the bottom of the head gasket so I replaced the head gasket and cleaned and checked the breather.

Question: The oil was low when I got it, so I changed it with what I had...10w-40 Synthetic. Could this be the issue?

 

[ericforster]

I dont think the 10w40 os the issue. An engine will be able to run that grade, but 10w30 would be better. The first thing you need to do is figure out where the smoke is coming from. I have seen minor gasket leaks that find their way to a hot surface like a muffler and cause smoke. The second possibillity is overfill on oil wil cause oil to seap out. The third possibility is blow by. The piston rings may be worn and allowing oil in the combustion chamber. To check for the first two possible issues is easy.vall it takes is visual inspection. For the third , it would be best to do a compression test.

 

[NOVAZ27]

Here is the B&S manual for your Briggs 190707-2131-01 engine. B&S oil chart & notes.
Valve guides could be worn. This allows oil to come into the combustion chamber or out the very hot exhaust.
The quality of the brand of oil you are using may cause oil to be used or smoking.
Worn engines tend to smoke more when a multi weight oil is used.

What type and how much oil for my lawn mower? | Briggs & Stratton (briggsandstratton.com)

*Below 40°F (4°C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
**Above 80°F (27°C) the use of 10W30 may cause increased oil consumption. Check oil level more frequently.

 

[RebelYankee]

Thank you for the replies.

The smoke is coming from the exhaust. I pulled the head and again and saw that the oil is leaking from the cylinder. The engine hasn't run in a long time, so I wonder if it's a stuck ring. I put the tractor on it's side and poured some Seafoam in the cylinder. I'll let that sit for a few days. If that doesn't do it, I suppose I will need to pull the piston and replace the rings. Any other ideas on how to check/fix the rings without pulling the piston?

Thanks,
Jamie

 

[tnt_motorsports]

Thank you for the replies.

The smoke is coming from the exhaust. I pulled the head and again and saw that the oil is leaking from the cylinder. The engine hasn't run in a long time, so I wonder if it's a stuck ring. I put the tractor on it's side and poured some Seafoam in the cylinder. I'll let that sit for a few days. If that doesn't do it, I suppose I will need to pull the piston and replace the rings. Any other ideas on how to check/fix the rings without pulling the piston?

Thanks,
Jamie

If you don't want to remove the piston you could do a piston ring soak. Get the engine warm and then you will need the engine in a vertical plane and dump something like SeaFoam into the cylinder via the spark plug hole. Let it sit for 24 hours then see if it is any better.

Have you checked the valve guides to ensure you don't have leakage there as well?

Just my $0.02

 

[RebelYankee]

Good news and bad news. I got it running well with minimal smoke. Cut 3/4 of my yard and then I heard a knocking. By the time I turned around to look the engine died. Bad news is the piston rod broke and put a hole in the case. Got the piston out and and I am happy to say the rings were not stuck.

So debating what to do now. I have about $200 in it total right now. Either I will part it out or re-power it. Decisions, decisions.