Craftsman YTS 3000 with B&S 331877 1234 B1 emits blue smoke under load

[the.doc]

B&S 331877 1234 B1 Serial 090608ZD67562 blows blue smoke out the muffler when blades are engaged, particularly when the grass is heavy and/or mower is moving uphill. This symptom appeared suddenly: didn't see smoke last time I used it; did see smoke the next time.

Bought in 2009. Biggest problem so far has been that I had to replace the solenoid. Has been a great mower; I'm wondering whether I'm looking at a ring job here. That's beyond my capabilities so could be time to try to give it away. Just wondering: anything else that it might be? anything else that I should try before giving up?

thanks

 

[ILENGINE]

You are in the early stages of a blown head gasket. Blown head gasket between the cylinder wall and the push rod cavity is the second most common issue with the Intek single cylinder engines.