Expert: John C. Bridgers Sr. - 7/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hey, question, Got a kohler air cooled in a JD, just started pushing oil out the crank case breather, thought it was the gasket, removed and resealed and it pushes it out the tiny vent to air.  Smell fuel mixed with the oil, any ideas?  Was just rebuilt last winter.

ANSWER: Hello Mike:

Is this An OHV Engine? If Yes, then the Head Gasket May be Blown Between the Compression Chamber and the Valve Stems. This Allows Compression to Push By the Valve Stems and Enter the Crankcase Building up Pressure. Is the Crankcase vent Operation Properly? Is the Cranskcase Overfilled with Oil? Does the Oil have a Gas Smell to it? Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey, Non OHV It's model # KLBL spec. 30509.  There was fuel in the oil.  I resealed the ccv removed and inspected the carb and changed the oil. Ran it tonight mowing the yard and it seems fine, It did have some blow by out the ccv but wasn't pushing oil. What would cause the crank case to "suck fuel"?  I also noticed that before I took the carb off and inspected, there was a small drip of fuel from the choke plate linkage?  At no time was there any smoke.  Any idea what would have caused this?

Thanks again,
Mike

Answer
Hello Again Mike:

Install a Manual Cut Off Valve in the Gas Line to the Carburetor and Manually Turn Off the Gas Flow when the Mower is Not in Use. the Carburetor Needle Valve is Leaking Gas By when Not In Use and Thereby Causing the Cylinder to Flood and the Gas to Seep by the Rings Into the Crankcase. The Small Drip at the Choke Plate Should Go Away in a Few Uses of the Mower if you have the Manual Cut Off Installed and the Crankcase Does Not Flood Again. Please Note: Replacing and/or Rebuilding the Carburetor will Work for a Few Months at Best. All My Customers have the Manual Cut Off Installed because of this. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John