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.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hello the.doc,

As ILENGINE mentioned, the head gasket is giving out on the pushrod side of the head.

The head would need to be removed and then the face of it sanded well with some 400-grit wet/dry paper on a glass tabletop or similar with a true flat surface. A new head gasket installed and torqued down properly.

While you are there it would be wise to replace the valve seals and lap in the valves to clean the seating faces.

If you are not mechanically inclined, find someone who is or sell it "has is" to someone who understands what needs to be done.