Oil leak

tylertown

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2012
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I have a very old Craftsman riding lawnmower with a B&S engine.
The last 2 times I’ve used it I’ve found a large puddle of oil under it though the dipstick does not show it being low.
This Saturday I cleaned the engine and this Sunday could not find any leak indicating the leak must occur only when the engine is running.
I will check for visible leaks when I use it this week.
I usually change the oil and filter at the end of each season but because of illness didn’t last fall.
Any thoughts as to why there would seemingly be a lot of oil under the mower but a large loss not show on the dipstick and why would the oil still be clean after almost 2 seasons without an oil or filter change?
 

ILENGINE

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May 6, 2010
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Some engines run clean enough depending on number of hours ran that don't dirty the oil. With Briggs engines and being older the most common oil leak issue would be the sump gasket.
 

7394

Lawn Addict
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Sep 5, 2014
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The Dip Stick can still read relatively clean, but a drain of the engine oil would show black oil. Dirt & crud settle.

Are you sure the location is from the engine ?

I had an old craftsman tractor & it started leaking at the rear axles. It was a 6 speed Dana
 
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