scag tiger cub billows blue smoke

[Mackdog]

hey everyone, new here. Been having some major troubles lately with a 2002 Scag Tiger Cub with the cv-20 Kohler engine. Before I go any further, let me mention that the engine has been apart, ring replaced, gaskets ect... The reason I took it apart was because the spark plug on the right side would always foul, and it burned through a quart of oil every couple hours. I also discovered a bunch of gasoline in the crank case when I took it apart, but I believe that this was due to the choke sticking. This engine has been run low on oil in the past and I think that has contributed to the ring damage...anyways, onto the current issue. Since getting the engine back together and back in the mower, whenever its started, it runs good for about 30 seconds, then starts blowing smoke like crazy. Enough to kill all the mosquitoes for miles around. In fact, its so bad you would probably die from smoke inhalation if you tried to mow with it..seriously. My question is, what else should I try to be able to fix this. I want to do a leak down test to determine if one of the heads is bad, or if the block is cracked. I cant imagine it being the rings because I just replaced them. And the oil level is about half way on the dip stick.

thanks, Eric

 

[Mad Mackie]

I recommend that you repower your machine with a new engine.
Newer small engines are designed and manufactured to reduce the costs of the process which makes them more delicate and difficult to overhaul. Although parts are available, most service manuals are lacking in the details needed to do the job correctly. Engine manufacturers have seminars for the service personnel of servicing dealers and this is where these nice to know details about servicing these engines come to light. Most of these nice to know tidbits of info are not shared with the public. Kohler had some serious problems with several base models and in general most of these engines have had a shorter than expected service life. I know several dealers that will not stock a Kohler powered machine to this day. There are other dealers that don't have any particular negative feelings toward any specific engine manufacturer.
Get the model and type info from your engine and do an on line search for a suitable replacement. Many times a new engine will cost not much more or even less that a correctly done overhaul and you get the manufacturers warranty.
Repowering is one of my specialties, it is peace of mind to both me and my customer!!!
Just a few thoughts from
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile: