Anyone know what could be causing this. Kohler Courage 19 oil

[Mitch65]

I have a troy bilt super bronco rider. I bought it used last year for $350 and it ran great all last summer. Recently It has developed an oil leak. Oil is pooling ontop of the Valve Cover. Is this a gasket issue? Oil seems to be dripping off and causing some white smoke when I was mowing today. Engine had a crack in the block the previous owner had it welded and it hasn't caused a problem since. I change oil and filters regularly and take good care of it.

Engine seems to run strong but when it smokes it becomes an annoyance. See the photo below. You can see the oil just sitting atop the valve cover.

 

[ILENGINE]

Could be a gasket issue. I would go ahead and pull the blower housing off the top of the engine and look around to make sure it isn't coming from some place else though.

The valve cover leak problem on the courage is interesting because there have been cases where some never leak and other you can't stop from leaking.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Courage are Kohlers lowest priced ( hense quality ) engines.

Being that high there is a good chance it is either the top crank shaft seal or a loose head bolt.
Take the top cover off the engine and watch what is happening.
You might find it beneficial to wash the engine then when dry give it a generaous of spray talcum power ( or foot powder ) which will sit on the engine and highlight any leak.