Update to B & S 14.5 engine?

Question

I drained the old oil, added 1 qt plus about 10 oz, (wanted to leave it low on purpose) and ran this motor for about 10-15 min. Never stalled, but did smoke, just not as bad. Got brave and ran a portion of the yard with blades engaged, smoke finally quit and motor never stalled once. Did changing oil cure the problem, or am I just foolin myself?

Answer 1

Too much oil and too little oil are both bad. What color smoke? White smoke is oil - blue/grey is running too rich.
Now, did the old oil smell like gasoline? If it did, then as suggested- the carb is overflowing. Usually it wont overflow until the tractor is shut off, as the motor is using the fuel as it runs. Ive had this happen a few times - the needle valve seat wears/gets dirty and stays open a touch, letting fuel flow. The float could also have a pinhole leak in it as well - best bet is to remove and clean/inspect the carb, to be on the safe side.
When the oil level is high, it can be blown back out the breather tube( it connects to the aircleaner assy) - just from pressure inside the motor ( the whole purpose of the breather- to relieve pressure) - oil can saturate the airfilter and continue on into the carb, burn and cause the smoking.
Id also suggest a fuel shutoff valve ( $5) inline the fuel line a short distance from the gas tank, but before the fuel filter, to ease changing ( dont have to drain the gas tank to change it).
Most Briggs motors are a 'splash' type - meaning the crank 'flings' the oil from the bottom of the motor to the berings to keep them properly lubricated. Lowering the level or having the oil saturated with gasoline will thin the oil and literally starve the berings of oil, and therefore destroying the motor.
When i change the oil in my tractors, i also add some Lucas oil enhancer in as well - it helps the oil stick better to surfaces.
I also use the transmission version in my modified lawntractor, still using its stock 6 speed trans, for 2 years now. Spinning alot faster then stock rpms, its held together remarkably well, considering the tractor runs in the 40 mph range.

Answer 2

As I said before, the needle valve leaked, overfilling the crankcase with gasoline when the engine is stopped. Allow it to sit overnight and see if the carburetor leaks again. If not it may have only been a small piece of trash blocking the needle valve from closing. However if the fuel tank is empty and the crankcase is overfull in the morning, have the carb rebuilt.

Answer 3

leavine the oil low , is asking for trouble, are you shure it takes 2 qts ? my 17 1/2 hp only takes 1 qt, if you over fill it its as bad as underfilling it, did you have the motor tilted on its side , that will make it smoke, also bad oil rings will cause it,