Constantly replacing spark plugs

[pants]

I have a Bolens lawn mower with a 4.5 hp Briggs and Stratton engine. For the past five years it has been dependable with regular service, but I put in a new spark plug in May and I had to replace it last week. Usually the spark plugs last all season. I did change the oil at the start of the season. The filter was cleaned out. What could be causing the spark plugs to become unusable in such a short period of time?

 

[motoman]

Send a picture of the plug

 

[pants]

Here it is.



The business end is covered in carbon. When the engine runs, I'm getting a lot of smoke from the exhaust. When I changed the oil, it wasn't bad. When my mower crapped out because the spark plug went bad, I was walking in a cloud.

 

[motoman]

Classic broken/worn rings, piston, or cylinder. Who removes the plug and what tool? The bite marks look like pliers tooth marks. Try a compression test .

 

[pants]

Is this something fixable, or just replace?

Mower's 15 years old, bought it for $20 from the guy who used to live on my property.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

Buy yourself a new mower and tell your wife you thought your birthday was yesterday.:laughing:

 

[motoman]

Sr's right, sorry