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Cub Cadet
Briggs & Stratton Intek OHV
22 HP; 407577 - 0317 E1

Mowed about 3 acres with no problem (big yard). Mower began choking out and engine stopped. Loosened the driver-side (left if standing behind the mower) OHV cover and an excessive amount of oil pourced out. Right side didn't have a significant amount in it. Ran fine for 30 minutes. Rinse and repeat. Then discovered oil was getting spit out of the intake and into the air filter.

Suspected I over-filled the oil when I changed it out so I emptied it and filled it up to where it just barely hit the "needs oil" line on the dipstick.

Started, but was running rough. I Sea-foamed the engine (poured Sea Foam into the intake). Motor straightened out, but seemed to run very hot. After 5 minutes the OHV covers were getting 1/4th full again. When I turned it off it kept running. Finally had to give it full choke to make it stop.

The driver side (left) spark plug looked fine, but the right side plug was heavily fouled.

Hoping it was just a blown head gasket, removed both heads. Neither head gasket seems blown. Of course I'm going to replace both anyways.

I suspect the head gaskets aren't the issue. Any suggestions before I start putting it back together?

The oil doesn't smell like gas does it. I am wondering if either the carb needle valve is leaking causing a flooding situation, or if the fuel pump is leaking fuel into the crankcase, and the fumes from the gas in the crankcase is causing a choking situation as they are expelled from the breather.

I believe you hit the nail on the head! I preemptively pulled the heads off and the gaskets appeared pristine with no signs of damage or blow-by.

With what you advised I also have taken apart the carb and cleaned it. Going to put it back together and see what happens. Thank you!

ILENGINE said:

The oil doesn't smell like gas does it. I am wondering if either the carb needle valve is leaking causing a flooding situation, or if the fuel pump is leaking fuel into the crankcase, and the fumes from the gas in the crankcase is causing a choking situation as they are expelled from the breather.

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