Craftsman head gasket issue?

[Rickcin]

I have a Craftsman tractor with a 18.5 hp Briggs & Stratton ohv Intek engine. After about 3 years of light use the head gasket went and I paid Sears to replace it. Now it is about 3years since it has been replaced and it appears to have the same symptoms, blue smoke when you engage the blades and now using oil again.
I would imagine this is a typical problem with this engine since the head gasket is extremely narrow at one specific area.

Any one else experiencing this problem? I guess there is no real solution. Thanks

 

[SeniorCitizen]

I haven't experienced it but I've read of head gasket failures a few years ago and I believe the general consensus was the head bolt spacing was too great in the area where it fails. Poor design and no correction I know of unless maybe JB weld the gasket.

 

[Rickcin]

I haven't experienced it but I've read of head gasket failures a few years ago and I believe the general consensus was the head bolt spacing was too great in the area where it fails. Poor design and no correction I know of unless maybe JB weld the gasket.

It is all over youtube regarding the narrow area of the gasket that fails. I called Sears and they have indicated it was replaced in Oct. of 2010, so it lasted less than 4 years.
They charged me $210 back then and I am sure it would cost more now.

I am wondering if I should try the repair myself?

 

[SeniorCitizen]

Sure, DIY. There is help here on the form if you hit a difficult spot. Download the manual if possible. Rather than buying a torque wrench I suspect you can rent one.

If you aren't familiar with the mechanic world, take pictures, label parts, nuts and bolts. Example: there are engines where all head blots may not be of equal length because of various reasons. Note where it / they came from.

 

[Rivets]

If you are a little mechanically savvy, you should be able to replace the gasket yourself. Less that an afternoon job. Post your engine numbers and I'll find you a service manual and get a list of parts you will need. I'm pretty busy, but I'll get back to you ASAP.

 

[Fish]

Yeah, a simple repair!!!

 

[Rickcin]

If you are a little mechanically savvy, you should be able to replace the gasket yourself. Less that an afternoon job. Post your engine numbers and I'll find you a service manual and get a list of parts you will need. I'm pretty busy, but I'll get back to you ASAP.

Really great site with lots of helpful members. I do have a torque wrench and I am somewhat mechanically inclined, so I guess I should attempt it. Not willing to spend another $250 or so to have it done if I could do it myself.

I will find the engine number and let you know. Thanks so much - Rick

 

[tigercat]

I have a 5 year old yard tractor with the B&S 21 HP engine and it let go last fall mulching leaves. I repaired it myself. I did my brothers Craftsman 4 months ago, it was about 17 HP but 10 years old.
Hardest part in doing the head gasket is the clean up process before you install the new gaskets.
I like Briggs engines, but the ohv engines may change my opinion of them in the future.

 

[Rickcin]

I have a 5 year old yard tractor with the B&S 21 HP engine and it let go last fall mulching leaves. I repaired it myself. I did my brothers Craftsman 4 months ago, it was about 17 HP but 10 years old.
Hardest part in doing the head gasket is the clean up process before you install the new gaskets.
I like Briggs engines, but the ohv engines may change my opinion of them in the future.

What is the best way to clean the head and the top of the block and piston?

 

[tigercat]

I use a medium soft wire cup that attaches to a 3/8" drill. When the head is off wire brush all the gasket material off the mating parts. Set the steel valve guide rod aside along with the aluminum one. The steel goes back on the exhaust side (top) of the engine when you put it back in. You need to reset the valves arpund .004 intake .006 exhaust @ 1/4" down from top dead center on the engine. (simply roll the engine using the pulley underneth to top dead center (piston up / valves closed) then go 1/4" more (stick a screw driver in the spark plug hole to make sure the piston is where you want it).
You need to get a tube of gasket sealing goop for the valve vover, as this might leak on the muffler after you get it running again.
It's easy to do the job, a feeler gauge & basic tools needed. You may want to get a torque wrench for the head, to final set them to required specs.

I can look up the specs to make sure everything is correct later.

This guy is a superb small engine mechanic. Check how easy it is to do a head gasket.
This video might be it or just search his channel.

http://youtu.be/UaG75e1DhLo