Briggs Blowing White Smoke

[bz1808]

~15 year old Craftsman LT1000. Replaced head gasket in May, ran fine until a few days ago when it died. Adjusted intake valve and it starts back up but with a good amount of white smoke from the exhaust. Any troubleshooting tips? Would like to keep it running until the end of the season.
Thanks!

 

[sgkent]

did you tip it on its side where oil got into the combustion chamber or exhaust?

 

[bz1808]

did you tip it on its side where oil got into the combustion chamber or exhaust?

No, and I thought it was just burn off, but it’s billowing from the exhaust port. There was a decent amount of oil when I opened the valve cover.

 

[StarTech]

If it is a 28, 31, 33 series Briggs engine then it is highly likely it is a blown head gasket. Also check the oil level should be normal and not above which gas getting into the oil due a carburtor leaking. But it is a head gasket it quickly suck the oil through the carburetor and cause the engine to run without oil. (very bad in either case)

 

[bz1808]

Oil level a touch low and I can smell there’s gas in it. I could replace the carb and see if that helps, but getting tired of working on this.

 

[slomo]

did you tip it on its side where oil got into the combustion chamber or exhaust?

LT1000 is a tractor isn't it?

 

[slomo]

Replaced head gasket in May, ran fine until a few days ago when it died.

Going with another blown head gasket.

Did you lap the block face and head the last time? Or just chuck a new gasket on and call it good?

Every head I've pulled was warped. Requires a trip to the small garage door (window) and some wet/dry paper. Same for block face where the gasket sits. Spray on some hi tack gasket sealer. Torque to factory specs before and after test running.

Even better, Bert has a buddy that cuts solid copper gaskets for these. Roughly the same price as a Briggs part.

 

[slomo]

Oil level a touch low and I can smell there’s gas in it.

Stop all other troubleshooting events. Fix the carb leaking needle and seat first. Dump the oil a couple times once confirmed fixed.

Next investigate the head gasket.

 

[bz1808]

LT1000 is a tractor isn't it?

It is. I’m going to replace the carb and replace the oil. As far as the previous gasket install, I basically cleaned as much carbon buildup as I could and slapped it on.

 

[bz1808]

Put a new carb and head gasket on and it’s running for the time being. Thanks for pointing out it could be the head gasket. Didn’t expect the other one to fail so quickly.