B&S model 445777 type 0134 e1 oil leak

[websterelec]

I have a Scott's L2548 riding mower with an Intek model 445777 25hp motor. I've noticed it smoking and found that oil is leaking from somewhere. I have virtually no experience with small engine repair, but decided to try to find and fix the leak myself. After reading online that the head gasket is a common problem, I removed it for inspection.

I've attached some photos, sorry about the quality. I expected to see a break or a thinning of an area in the gasket, but don't.

Is there another area that I should be looking in for a leak?

I should clean everything up with a wire brush before installing the new head gasket, right? I'm not sure where to look for a torque spec or the proper pattern when tightening everything up after installing the new gasket. I haven't received the new gasket yet and am hoping that there may be some instructions included.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[ILENGINE]

Your first picture of the head gasket shows a burned area at the valve cavity area, right at the connecting point between the two cavities.

 

[websterelec]

Your first picture of the head gasket shows a burned area at the valve cavity area, right at the connecting point between the two cavities.

Thanks for the reply. I'll change the head gasket. I didn't see it leaking, but is it good practice to change the rocker cover gasket since I've removed the cover?

 

[Rivets]

I agree with IL that the head gasket is blown. Yes, replace the valve cover gasket also.

 

[websterelec]

I agree with IL that the head gasket is blown. Yes, replace the valve cover gasket also.

Thanks. If you think of anything else that someone who is changing their first head gasket should know, please post. Otherwise, I'll post when I get it put back together and verify that it's fixed. Thanks again.

 

[Rivets]

This manual might help.


http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/03_272144VanguardTwinCylinderOHV.pdf

 

[websterelec]

This manual might help.


http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/03_272144VanguardTwinCylinderOHV.pdf

Much appreciated.

 

[websterelec]

I replaced the head gasket, but still have the leak. I can see where the leak is dripping from, but can't identify where it's coming from. I've attached some more photos and labeled the location where I first see the drip. Any suggestions would be great.