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Hi all,

I tried firing up my craftsman tractor for the first time this season and as soon as I did there was smoke... I noticed some oil dropping on to the exhaust pipe when they engine was running. When not running there is no oil dripping... What is causing this and is it worth while to repair? The model of the engine is a 21.5 Briggs and Stratton OHV I/C platinum Intek. Probably from 2003ish...

More than likely a valve cover gasket. Im not sure if briggs used RTV sealer or gasket.
Find the model number of your engine, that will help you and us alot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJse_XQrO4Y

Did you check the oil before you started the engine ?
was the oil level higher ?

I will post the model number when I take a peek tonight. The oil level seemed about right but I had to actually push the mower down the shed ramp over to my car to jump start. When checking the oil before starting it looked about right but when pulling the dipstick you could tell the oil had been sloshing around a bit...

From your pics, that valve cover leak is not a new one, that accumulation of oil caked on cylinder fins is from some time ago...

Looking at the owners manual the engine is a Briggs and Stratton 445777 and the type is 0172-E1. The tractor itself is model 917.272463

I am the original owner and it has always been in the shed when not in use and the oil was changed every season. It was a very good and reliable tractor, I never had a problem with it. Which is why I am looking to save it...

bmark0610 said:

Looking at the owners manual the engine is a Briggs and Stratton 445777 and the type is 0172-E1. The tractor itself is model 917.272463

I am the original owner and it has always been in the shed when not in use and the oil was changed every season. It was a very good and reliable tractor, I never had a problem with it. Which is why I am looking to save it...

Click to expand...

Can't blame you for wanting to save it.

Have you ever had the valve covers off? If not, it probably needs the valves adjusted anyway and the valve cover gaskets will get replaced then. Clean it up and watch for leaks.

Agree with Cpurvis. And while you're at it, I would want to remove the engine cover to make sure it is clean (especially cylinder fins etc).

Thank you for the suggestions. I am by no means a mechanic or have much knowledge of motors. The most advanced thing I think I've done in terms of mechanics is remove and rebuild the carb on one of my old craftsman push mowers... I'm not exactly sure what the valve cover is. Any videos or pics would be greatly appreciated. Even though this video is of a different model I would it would be just about the same? https://youtu.be/HZt42A9zTro At what point in the video should I inspect/replace parts? Also do I need to drain the oil before performing any of these steps?