frostbite, if you are getting a higher reading on your oil level, that means you have GAS in you oil, you need to get that taken care of before you use the mower, the most likely problem is the Float & Needle, either sticking or not set right, Hope you can fine the problem, i had that problem on a Garden Tiller, I installed a inline Fuel Valve that can be gotten cheap at most Lawn Mower Shops, i turn of the fuel when i am ready to stop & let the engine run out of fuel, works for me
Rat