The Money Mustache Community

Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Do it Yourself Discussion! => Topic started by: Threshkin on May 19, 2014, 04:31:00 PM

Title: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: Threshkin on May 19, 2014, 04:31:00 PM
I need some small engine advice.

My lawn mower smokes a lot for the first couple of minutes after I start it.  White smoke, smells like oil.  After a couple of minutes it stops completely.  Other than that the engine runs fine. It starts on the first pull and runs strong.

I suspect oil is leaking into the cylinder when it is sitting.  What causes this and how can I fix it?
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: Milspecstache on May 19, 2014, 05:36:33 PM
White smoke generally means it is burning oil.  I'm assuming this is a push-mower?  What is the oil level at? Normal?  How old is the engine?  Have you recently changed the air filter?
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: zolotiyeruki on May 20, 2014, 10:41:07 AM
And when did you last change the oil?  My understanding is that mowers should get an oil change every 50 hours or once per year.  I had a mower that did that until I realized I had been running it dry.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: Lifeblood on May 20, 2014, 10:47:04 AM
On a  related note, what do people usually do with the old oil? I poured mine into an empty yogurt container and plan to drop it off at a toxic waste facility run by our city.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: Milspecstache on May 20, 2014, 11:02:55 AM
Quote from: Lifeblood on May 20, 2014, 10:47:04 AM
On a  related note, what do people usually do with the old oil? I poured mine into an empty yogurt container and plan to drop it off at a toxic waste facility run by our city.

I am always able to find someone who has a waste oil burner in their shop that will burn it.  Provides free heat for them in the winter.  Free once you buy the expensive burner setup which requires a lot of filtration.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: phred on May 20, 2014, 12:04:46 PM
Quote from: Lifeblood on May 20, 2014, 10:47:04 AM
On a  related note, what do people usually do with the old oil? I poured mine into an empty yogurt container and plan to drop it off at a toxic waste facility run by our city.
Some places that do oil changes may take it as they may get paid for used oil by recyclers
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: Threshkin on May 20, 2014, 03:22:30 PM
Thanks for the good advice!  I will take action this weekend.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: soccerluvof4 on May 20, 2014, 03:32:22 PM
Generally white smoke is from one of two things. Either the crankcase breather has failed or the oil is contaminated. Both easy fixes.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Smoking
Post by: MustacheMike on May 21, 2014, 12:56:13 PM
Quote from: soccerluvof4 on May 20, 2014, 03:32:22 PM
Generally white smoke is from one of two things. Either the crankcase breather has failed or the oil is contaminated. Both easy fixes.

Or a new pope has been selected.