Sorry it took so long. Here are pictures with the engine numbers and where the oil was leaking. It was actually kind of gushing out of this hole. Before that, it looked like a gas/oil mixture was coming out of the exhaust. I think it’s a head gasket. Any thoughts on whether it’s fixable and how expensive?
Oil and gas were coming out of this breather tube. Head gasket?
#12
Craftsman Garage
Ohh its one of those, I've got one Just like that. 1. Is the oil overfilled at all? I use some heavier oil because these engines are so old and mine has low compression. How much oil is coming out? It is normal for a mist to come out.
#13
Craftsman Garage
I say drain the oil because it sounds like gas got into your oil. Replace with some 20W50. That should fix it.
Briggs opposed twin L flat head. I wouldn't worry about head gaskets since they would leak external to the engine. I would look hard at the oil level and if it smells like gas. Also there could be an issue with the breather reed disc has broke which can cause similar issues.
Since this engine is L head a head gasket issue would leak external to the engine.
#16
StarTech
Considering this is a 24+ yr old engine there is a good change that one or both exhaust valve guides are worn out.
When I started professionally service Briggs engine back in 2009 I received a lot push mowers that swore had bad head gasket when it was only the exhaust valve guide. Dont see many L heads now days. Back then you could get after market replacement guides.
If you still can't find the solution for this person here the same thing has happened to him, read the comments, maybe something they told him will work for you
Most common is a head gasket due to heat warpage. The heads need to be removed and resurface them with 220 grit wet/dry paper on a good flat surface like tempered glass, then reinstalled with new head gaskets.
Likely the cooling fins have a bunch (years) of grass and chaff all packed up in them. All shields need to be removed for a good cleaning.
If you don't have a manual, go online to Ebay and purchase a CD that covers this engine make and model.
