SRD17530 blowing oil

[rover_nut]

Model: SRD17530
Product ID: 280020
SN:042811D002303
Engine: B&S 500cc

I was given this mower a couple months ago (told it runs but won't go in reverse) and finally had time to work on it.
The good news is that it goes in reverse just fine.
Bad news is that when I started it (needed a new battery), it's white smoking like crazy and blowing oil out of the muffler.
I checked and it's definitely out of the muffler. Puddle in front of the muffler and no sign of oil on the engine.
So I'm thinking really bad oil control ring at best.

So I have to decide, give it away, repair the engine, replace the engine.
New B&S 500cc is about $900 so that's out.
Is there a cheaper replacement? Like from Harbor Freight? (I'm 71 so don't need it to last decades)
How well do these engines take to rebuilding?

Regards,

 

[ILENGINE]

Would benefit us if we had the actual model number of the engine since 2011 could be flat head or OHV. If OHV then model number info should be on valve cover but could also be stamped into the blower housing or a metal riveted tag next to flywheel. If flat head then stamped into blower housing or metal tag.

If OHV I would look into blown head gasket, or carb leaked fuel into the cylinder, and or breather filling crankcase with gas which could mix with the oil and cause the oil to flow from the muffler. Or engine could of been overfilled with oil and over time the oil has seeped past the rings leading to the oil in muffler issue.

Unless other signs of engine abuse I would not look to a ring issue as first cause. And for the most part those engines are not cost effective to rebuild

 

[slomo]

Is the OIL over full?

Pull the oil stick and smell for FUEL. If you smell gas, that is a carb issue.

If the oil is proper as in ON the FULL mark, not over not under, then might be rings or head gasket.

How much oil does it use?

I KNOW you are checking the oil level PRIOR to EVERY MOW right? Like everyone else on here?? LOL