Craftsmen Model 917.388861

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Insanity42

Forum Newbie
I have a Craftsmen Model 917.388861 6.5HP 21" cut walk behind mower that I recently replaced the blade. It seems that since then the mower is either burning oil or overheating after 10-15 minutes of operation. During operation there will be low amounts of white smoke coming from the engine and when it is turned off, the exhaust becomes a heavier white smoke. As I also recently added oil, I thought that perhaps I overfilled it so I drained it and added fresh oil (5W20) but the problem continued. I am not sure if the carburetor may be a problem?

Any feedback is welcomed. I have used this mower for years without a problem, and this did not developed until I changed the blade. It almost sounds like the balance could be off if that is possible.
 
did you replace the blade with a new one or a used one you had and also is 5w20 the oil you have always used in it
 
Insanity42 said:
I have a Craftsmen Model 917.388861 6.5HP 21" cut walk behind mower that I recently replaced the blade. It seems that since then the mower is either burning oil or overheating after 10-15 minutes of operation. During operation there will be low amounts of white smoke coming from the engine and when it is turned off, the exhaust becomes a heavier white smoke. As I also recently added oil, I thought that perhaps I overfilled it so I drained it and added fresh oil (5W20) but the problem continued. I am not sure if the carburetor may be a problem?

Any feedback is welcomed. I have used this mower for years without a problem, and this did not developed until I changed the blade. It almost sounds like the balance could be off if that is possible.
Click to expand...

When you changed the blade, which way did you tilt the mower to get it off? If you tilted it toward the carb, your air filter could be filled with oil.
 
5w-20 and 5w-30 oils are WAY too thin for that engine!

Not trying to start an oil flame war, but go with something thicker (which, as it says right in the manual, will lessen oil consumption) like a straight 30W. In warmer climates, some are even using 15W-40 with good results.

Remove the blade and put the center hole over a round screwdriver shaft held horizontal - the blade tips should stay level when placed there. I'd go with the above theory that you filled either the breather and/or the intake with oil when you had the mower tipped. Tip the mower back so the spark plug is up in the air when you do so.
 
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