I bought an old zero turn for almost nothing and I’m just trying to get it going until I can buy a new one. It’s been sitting for about 2 years so I went ahead and replaced fuel lines, fuel filter,fuel pump, carb, air filter, spark plugs, fresh oil and oil filter. Got it started with fresh gas and it ran great. I started it today to mow the grass and after about 15 minutes, when I parked it I noticed a small puddle of oil under the right side of the engine. The oil sensor is located right there and I assumed maybe that’s where the leak was. I cleaned it up and started it back up to see if I could see the leak and did not see anything. The engine then started making a weird rattling noise but it almost sounded like plastic rattling, not anything like a rod or bearing. But I decided to pull the dipstick while it was running just to see if I could see oil. While it was running it started blowing oil out of the dipstick tube. Someone said it could be a head gasket. Does anyone have an opinion on this before I pull the heads off? The model number is 44M777-0729-B1.
Briggs Intek 24 horse
- Thread starter bryce4298
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Not a good idea to pull the dipstick while engine is running. It will blow oil out the dipstick tube. Check to make sure the oil filter is tight. Those engines were noted to blow the pan gaskets and leak oil. They came out with a gasket kit with a thicker heavier gasket that included the pan bolts. Part no. 594195.
bertsmobile1
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Did you pull the blower cover of to check the fins for mice / mud wasps etc ?
If not do so now , wash the engine and look for oil accumulating on the top of the engine
Without the blower cover on you can run the engine at idle for 10 to 20 minutes .
As for the dipstick hole, oil will blow out of there while the engine is running
It is called "splash" and that is how the bore & little end get lubed and on older engines was how the oil got up to the top bush
The dip stick tube test is done after the engine has been running & has stopped
You pull the dip stick then look for smoke wafting up the tube .
The plastic sound could could very well be something fouling on the fan
Put your finger on the top of the top pulley and check for oil which is a sign the lower oil seal is leaking .
Oil on the side is usually either the top seal or a rocker cover gasket
If not do so now , wash the engine and look for oil accumulating on the top of the engine
Without the blower cover on you can run the engine at idle for 10 to 20 minutes .
As for the dipstick hole, oil will blow out of there while the engine is running
It is called "splash" and that is how the bore & little end get lubed and on older engines was how the oil got up to the top bush
The dip stick tube test is done after the engine has been running & has stopped
You pull the dip stick then look for smoke wafting up the tube .
The plastic sound could could very well be something fouling on the fan
Put your finger on the top of the top pulley and check for oil which is a sign the lower oil seal is leaking .
Oil on the side is usually either the top seal or a rocker cover gasket
It is definitely noted to not pull the dipstick while running. Guess I didn’t think they were much different than the old Chevys. Also removing the cover and cleaning everything was one of the first things I did. The exhaust actually smokes a little but I think that’s just because I sprayed degreaser on the motor. After letting it sit in the garage there was a small puddle of oil on the floor on the right side of the motor. The oil filter is tight but the oil pressure sensor next to it is covered in oil. Something else to note that is weird, even after the engine is warmed up, if I turn it off I have to choke it to start it again.
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If you want to find the leak easier. Put a half ounce of 374CS uv dye in the oil and run the engine for 15-30 minutes. Moderate leaks take less time to show up. And seepage leaks take more time. I working on oil leaker right now and hoping I don't have to pull the engine. The JD F525 is a real pain to get the unitized engine out but have have to as thing are so tight in there. Found leak quickly but there is one that shows up overnight. Hoping it is the pump filter that is leaking so I got one on the way but can be the control rod o-ring which will require the engine to be pulled.
Could the issue with always having to choke the engine even after its already warm be related to this or and I pretty much going to have to pull the motor and start checking gaskets for oil leaks? Is it safe to rule out a head gasket?
bertsmobile1
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Symptoms of a blown head gasket
1) smoke rising from the dip stick tube after running
2) engine stumbles or even knocks when the engine is loaded by turning on the blades
3) excessive crank case venting usually with a lot of oil coming out the breather .
Your problem sounds very much like blocked idle circuit or slightly low fuel height
OTOH I have come across several engines that always need choke to start but have run fine like that since new .
1) smoke rising from the dip stick tube after running
2) engine stumbles or even knocks when the engine is loaded by turning on the blades
3) excessive crank case venting usually with a lot of oil coming out the breather .
Your problem sounds very much like blocked idle circuit or slightly low fuel height
OTOH I have come across several engines that always need choke to start but have run fine like that since new .
Thank y’all for the help! As for the oil leak, I found that the crankcase is leaking through the gasket on the right side. I already pulled the motor and drained as much oil as I can. Does anyone have an opinion on me flipping the motor upside down so I can go ahead and pull the pan off and get the gasket cleaned off and letting it sit (covered) upside down until parts get here on Friday? Or would there be too much oil left running down through the rest of the engine?
bertsmobile1
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Won't hurt it
best to sit it so the cylinder is higher thus the oil pools in the back of the engine
When the job is done sit the engine on the back ( cylinders in the air ) overnight so the oil drains back out of the cylinder
best to sit it so the cylinder is higher thus the oil pools in the back of the engine
When the job is done sit the engine on the back ( cylinders in the air ) overnight so the oil drains back out of the cylinder