New Briggs engine oil leak - breather assembly.

[troop231]

Hello, I have a new Briggs and Stratton 500 series engine with an oil leak on the bottom of the breather assembly, I tried tightening the bolts and it is still leaking. Kinda bummed a new engine would do this. Here is a picture of the leak:

I appreciate any help any of you can offer. :smile:

 

[chance123]

Usually there is a copper (sometimes other metals) gasket/washer on the drain plug. Do you have one on yours?

 

[troop231]

Usually there is a copper (sometimes other metals) gasket/washer on the drain plug. Do you have one on yours?

I could not find or see an oil drain plug on my 500 series engine. The oil is leaking out/around of the bottom bolt of the breather assembly.

 

[chance123]

I could not find or see an oil drain plug on my 500 series engine. The oil is leaking out/around of the bottom bolt of the breather assembly.

OK after re-reading and re-viewing, my guess is the breather cover gasket. Easy to replace

 

[troop231]

OK after re-reading and re-viewing, my guess is the breather cover gasket. Easy to replace

Do they normally come from the factory with such poor quality control? Should I just get the whole assembly and not chance it?

Thanks again!

 

[chance123]

Do they normally come from the factory with such poor quality control?

These days? "yes"! In the past? No.

When you remove it you should be able to see where it was leaking and/or if the cover is bad. They "should" have the gasket in stock, but might have to order the cover. Personally, I would inspect the old cover for some imperfections, and if it looks good, just get the gasket.

 

[troop231]

These days? "yes"! In the past? No.

When you remove it you should be able to see where it was leaking and/or if the cover is bad. They "should" have the gasket in stock, but might have to order the cover. Personally, I would inspect the old cover for some imperfections, and if it looks good, just get the gasket.

Thanks! I went ahead and ordered the whole assembly for $8. I figured it would save me the hassle of ordering another part if the cover is indeed bad also.

Thank you again sir!

 

[troop231]

These days? "yes"! In the past? No.

When you remove it you should be able to see where it was leaking and/or if the cover is bad. They "should" have the gasket in stock, but might have to order the cover. Personally, I would inspect the old cover for some imperfections, and if it looks good, just get the gasket.

I took the breather assembly off, and this may be a dumb question, but is the breather supposed to be saturated full of oil? The middle fiber sandwhich between the two pieces of aluminum in the breather was dripping out oil. Photos below:

 

[Rivets]

Yes, you should find a lot of oil. What are you doing, if that engine is less than two years old, this is covered under warranty? You just voided you warranty by trying to repair this. Put it back on and take it to a repair shop with your mouth shut.

 

[troop231]

Yes, you should find a lot of oil. What are you doing, if that engine is less than two years old, this is covered under warranty? You just voided you warranty by trying to repair this. Put it back on and take it to a repair shop with your mouth shut.

The engine only has 1 tank of gas ran through it. I'm building an R/C mower.