mower engine question

[LeanMachine]

I bought a used john deere 240 riding mower not too long ago. I'm not sure of the age. Id guess its 5-10 years old. It will start up and run like a champ but blows white smoke out of exhaust. It was just a little at first but after I mowed once with it, it got quite a bit worse. Also it will sputter oil out from the dip stick hole if you remove the dip stick while it is running. My mechanic experience is pretty limited. I was afraid the cylinder was worn or the rings were bad. That's the only way I could see pressure getting into the oil. I tore the motor down this evening and the cylinder appears to be in great shape. Any other possibilities I should consider before I tear it down further to inspect the rings? The engine is a kawasaki.

[gooch]

Are you sure it wasnt over filled? They will smoke like crazy and it will blow it out the exhaust and dipstick.

[mikeb1206]

Are you sure it wasnt over filled? They will smoke like crazy and it will blow it out the exhaust and dipstick.

x2^^^^^^

[LeanMachine]

Pretty sure but not 100%. I checked it before I started it the first time and it showed low so I added oil until it showed full. I mowed for about 45 minutes with it smoking and stopped to check oil level. Showed low again so I added oil again. It is smoking worse now than before however. I guess I should probably just check the compression?

[LittleDanny]

sounds like rings to me

[fowlwaters]

Rings

[Niko]

I had the same thing happen to my riding mower. After cleaning the engine. I mean clean like just built. I found there were several hairline cracks throughout the block. Luckily I only payer $150. For the mower.

[LeanMachine]

I had the same thing happen to my riding mower. After cleaning the engine. I mean clean like just built. I found there were several hairline cracks throughout the block. Luckily I only payer $150. For the mower.

Don't talk like that!

[tx07]

I bought a used john deere 240 riding mower not too long ago. I'm not sure of the age. Id guess its 5-10 years old. It will start up and run like a champ but blows white smoke out of exhaust. It was just a little at first but after I mowed once with it, it got quite a bit worse. Also it will sputter oil out from the dip stick hole if you remove the dip stick while it is running. My mechanic experience is pretty limited. I was afraid the cylinder was worn or the rings were bad. That's the only way I could see pressure getting into the oil. I tore the motor down this evening and the cylinder appears to be in great shape. Any other possibilities I should consider before I tear it down further to inspect the rings? The engine is a kawasaki.

All of them will push oil out the dipstick when you open it.
1. Check to make sure it is not over filled on oil.
2. Check to make sure the crank case vent is not plugged.
3. If all above is good. Then rings are bad.

[yazoomike]

If the head gasket is blown it will do what you are describing.

[LeanMachine]

Head gasket appears good. Where would the crank case vent be located?

[Marco]

Rings

[tx07]

Head gasket appears good. Where would the crank case vent be located?

On the side of the block. It usually has 2 small bolts holding it on and a rubber tube to vent to atmosphere.

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4811743_troubleshooting-john-deere-lawn-tractors.html