Kawasaki FD 590 burning oil?

[wry]

My Cub Cadet with a Kawasaki FD 590 V engine suddenly sent up a cloud of white smoke when mowing. It started OK and was running fine until I engaged the blades and that extra load resulted in loss of power and rpm and a cloud of smoke. I shut it down then restarted with the blades off and it seemed to run OK w/out smoke but as soon as I re-engaged the blades it started smoking and the engine lost power. I pulled the plugs and smoke came out of one cylinder. I am guessing the rings are bad on that piston, but I did not have the slightest issue before yesterday with it burning oil. So, I am wondering whether it could be something else like a blown gasket? Any ideas? If I need new rings how difficult and expensive is it for the parts. I have the tools except for the ring compressor.

 

[larrysfixit]

My Cub Cadet with a Kawasaki FD 590 V engine suddenly sent up a cloud of white smoke when mowing. It started OK and was running fine until I engaged the blades and that extra load resulted in loss of power and rpm and a cloud of smoke. I shut it down then restarted with the blades off and it seemed to run OK w/out smoke but as soon as I re-engaged the blades it started smoking and the engine lost power. I pulled the plugs and smoke came out of one cylinder. I am guessing the rings are bad on that piston, but I did not have the slightest issue before yesterday with it burning oil. So, I am wondering whether it could be something else like a blown gasket? Any ideas? If I need new rings how difficult and expensive is it for the parts. I have the tools except for the ring compressor.

Hey, Did you ever figure out your smoking problem? I just had a similar problem on a John Deere with a Kawasaki FD590v engine. Both plugs were fouled but the compression was over 150 PSI. After disconnecting the crankcase vent tube I found it had oil in it. I checked the air filter it was completely clogged. After replacing it the smoking stopped. I am waiting to be sure this was the only problem but as of now it seems to be all. BTW I rebulid this engine last year having bought my parts from Pats Small engine repair the cost was under $300 and I did it with information from the internet without any manual. Not a bad engine to rebuild but more to remove and install than air cooled of course.

 

[reynoldston]

Bad rings is something that happens over time, not overnight This is what a leak down test is all about. It will tell you where to look.

 

[mechanic mark]

"K&T Parts House Lawn Mower Parts and Chain Saw & Trimmer Parts" FD590 manual is 5 down, just click & download at bottom left of screen.