Lawn Mower Smoking

[Threshkin]

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?

[Milspecstache]

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?

[zolotiyeruki]

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.

[Lifeblood]

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.

[Milspecstache]

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.

[phred]

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

[Threshkin]

Thanks for the good advice!  I will take action this weekend.

[soccerluvof4]

Generally white smoke is from one of two things. Either the crankcase breather has failed or the oil is contaminated. Both easy fixes.

[MustacheMike]

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.