Anything is possible. Try this trick to confirm that the oil is definitely coming from that seal. Wash and wipe the area clean and make sure it is very dry. I even use a heat gun or hair dryer. Spray the area you suspect with a fine powder. I have used baby, foot, even flour for this. Then let it sit and keep checking, it may take a couple of days. You should see a trail in the powder which will lead you to the source. I know this sounds kinky, but it works, we use this to find hidden hydraulic leaks on tractors.
Engine leaking oil
- Thread starter Rickcin
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reynoldston
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Its been a few years back when I was working in a big shop on over the road trucks, as I remember they make a product that did this same thing that came in a aerosol can made to find oil leaks. It sprayed a fine power. Also it seems like I also can remember something you could put in the oil and then look for the oil leak with a black light. I am thinking back 30 years.
I am thinking just take it all apart, clean and look at the crankcase assembly,however the governor adjustment kind of knocks me out of the box.
I hate bringing it to a shop, always difficult to get an honest dealer to work on the mower especially durning the normal season.
If it were winter, I am sure one would get a much better deal. I never mind paying a fair price for some good work, but like most others, I hate to be taken advantage of.
reynoldston
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I would say the way to learn is go for it. Mark all your linkage very close and try it. The most that can happen is it will run a little fast or slow which really not going to hurt anything. Without a tachometer you just won't the RPM's but just try to remember how it sounds right to you.
That was more or less what I was thinking. If the engine is racing when it has been reassembled, I would not run the machine until the problem is corrected. The 15hp Kawasaki just purrs when cutting, it seems it runs at a very moderate pace, not straining at all.
I just bought a new/complete tool set from Sears and I am looking forward to removing the engine on Sunday. Hoping to have some fun, learn and be able to make the repair myself, I hope !!!
Thanks for your guidance.
I would just like to thank your great advice and recommendation.
My neighbor and I did tear the motor apart, we carefully marked all of the control linkage, especially the governor rod and were careful not to let the crank or shaft move at all. We replaced the oil seal around the governor shaft and the bottom main shaft seal and carefully rebooted and sealed the crank case back together and guess what, the engine started right up and purrs like a kitten..and...no more leak!!!
I really enjoyed doing this and hope to learn and do more.
Thanks again for the advice and your words of encouragement. We all learn best by doing!
Rick