Engine Tried to start big puff of smoke

asiloj41

Member
I have a craftsman 917.270532 14.5 OHV IC Gold was mowing yesterday and stop to refuel when I went to start it a big puff of smoke came from the front of engine compartment! Then after that it just turned over would not start! I realize it is 17 yrs old I also know it is time for a new one! But looking for idea's that might be able to fix it! Thinking it might be a quick fix! Thanks for any help!
 
Anything else you can tell us? Unusual noises from the engine or exhaust, smells, fluid leaks? White smoke?
 
There was no noise from the engine, it was white smoke! Had been mowing was running fine! Checked oil it was at level! Had been using mower all day! Picking up sticks in my yard! Had already mowed about 1 1/2 acres before this happened!
 
Did it smell like "plastic" burning, was there a lot of smoke or a small amount..??
If it still rotates easily, check for spark, if no spark, pull the engine shroud and check the coil, it might be toast.

post engine model numbers Usually found on the engine ......
 
Did it smell like "plastic" burning, was there a lot of smoke or a small amount..??
If it still rotates easily, check for spark, if no spark, pull the engine shroud and check the coil, it might be toast.

post engine model numbers Usually found on the engine ......

Just a big puff of smoke, no smell of plastic! We try your suggestions! Thanks!
 
A big puff of white smoke is oil burning and the usual culprit for that is a blown head gasket.
And to put a likely senario to you, while you were having your pee, the carb had one too, the fuel accumulated in the cylider and when you cranked the engine, the liquid in the cylinder ( remember liquids do not compress ) blew the head gasket.
However the trick is always to start with a series of tests .
Boo gave you some to do , so do them & get back.
While doing so listen carefully to the engine for any wheezes or other unusual sounds and in particular to how fast the starter is cranking the engine.

And please post those numbers.
 
A big puff of white smoke is oil burning and the usual culprit for that is a blown head gasket.
And to put a likely senario to you, while you were having your pee, the carb had one too, the fuel accumulated in the cylider and when you cranked the engine, the liquid in the cylinder ( remember liquids do not compress ) blew the head gasket.
However the trick is always to start with a series of tests .
Boo gave you some to do , so do them & get back.
While doing so listen carefully to the engine for any wheezes or other unusual sounds and in particular to how fast the starter is cranking the engine.

And please post those numbers.

Ok will do thanks for the suggestions!
 
I have a craftsman 917.270532 14.5 OHV IC Gold was mowing yesterday and stop to refuel when I went to start it a big puff of smoke came from the front of engine compartment! Then after that it just turned over would not start! I realize it is 17 yrs old I also know it is time for a new one! But looking for idea's that might be able to fix it! Thinking it might be a quick fix! Thanks for any help!


Update to everything you all have suggested! I found a great video on You Tube from Donyboy73 very informative seems like he knows his stuff makes me feel after checking for spark if it is a blown head gasket that it is something I can handle! I have an old IPad and it is hard to copy and paste or I would put up the link it seems it is his own channel! Thanks for all the help with a starting place! Probably will be a week or more before I get this done lots of hoops to jump thru to get to work on it! Need the parts, and a few tools! Somwish me luck! Have a Great Sunday!
 
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