Engine shooting oil into muffler

[JustinG]

I have a 96 Craftsman riding mower with the 14.5 hp engine. When starting the engine it will run fine for about 15 seconds, then shortly thereafter the engine will sputter and oil will shoot out of the muffler and where the exhaust pipe connects to the engine spraying oil everywhere. The engine will die a a HUGE cloud of white smoke will develop and the burning oil on the muffler will sound like the mower is going to burst into flames. The oil on the dipstick appears to be overfull slightly and it doesn't smell like gas. I removed the head thinking it was the gasket but found no problem with it. The valves looked ok. Could it be a carb problem, a cracked block? Is my engine toast? HELP!

 

[tigercat]

Oil is pushing into the valves. Make sure the oil level is correct. Since you got the head off I'd say the piston rings are bad. Engine sounds like it needs some work.

 

[Rivets]

Common problem now with ethanol fuel. You need to rebuild carb needle and seat. Change oil and should be ready to go.

 

[JustinG]

Thanks for the direction guys, i'll start with the carb 1st and see what that does.

 

[DaveTN]

I agree w/ Rivets with his view on ethanol gas. I hate the stuff personally and won't use it. Doesn't sound like a major problem really, just check the oil level and do what Rivets suggested. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[djdicetn]

I agree w/ Rivets with his view on ethanol gas. I hate the stuff personally and won't use it. Doesn't sound like a major problem really, just check the oil level and do what Rivets suggested. Let us know how it turns out.

I hear ya....I sure wish they had let us "vote on it" instead of the EPA forcing ethanol down our throats. Our government always seems to know what's best for us........RIGHT:0(

 

[Nummy]

Sounds like your mower is trying to commit suicide LOL if you have the engine torn down i'd replace the rings while it's apart

 

[JustinG]

Well I finally got around to working on my mower. I just went ahead and ordered a whole new carb and I changed the oil. Once all the oil in the muffler burned off it ran perfect without smoking and I was able to cut the whole yard yesterday. Thanks for the advice guys, I was just about ready to scrap that old thing but now it's running better than it has in a while.

 

[reynoldston]

I hear ya....I sure wish they had let us "vote on it" instead of the EPA forcing ethanol down our throats. Our government always seems to know what's best for us........RIGHT:0(

I sure wish there was a answer to this fuel thing. Just why do you think the government is forcing ethanol down our throats. If things keep going like they are now I really believe the future is going to be a lot worst. Something has to be done and I really think our government is worried about this so let work with them. I really don't think ethanol is the answer because the farmer needs fuel to grow corn but I guess its a start. I really think the air is getting cleaner so they must be doing something right.

 

[tigercat]

Congrats on the repair. I learned something tonight as I never heard of a carb sucking oil. :smile: