Was mowing today and noticed an oil splatter on the frame and oil leak from the fuel pump but no smoke coming from the engine. Shut down the mower and started doing some digging on the internet and keep seeing posts referencing a bad head gasket. The original owner had to have it replaced under warranty at some point before I purchased. How difficult is the head gasket replacement and does that sound like the most likely cause? Any good way to test this before replacing?
Technically the most difficult part is resetting the valve lash.
make sure everything is nice and clean before you start and this is usually the longest bit time wise.
And yes oil comming from the pump is most likely going to be a head gasket.
Second guess is a blocked crank case vent and it is worthwile checking it before you rip off heads.
Thx for the response, just getting back from vacation so time to resolve this mess. Having a problem locating that crank case vent. Have a link that shows where that is?
slight update, I forgot to add the original engine was replaced under warranty by the original owner and how has a briggs and stratton 331877 3036 model 21hp if that makes a difference.
