It appears the oil had come out of the air filter(?) Remove the breather cavity, which is underneath the oil tank, from the engine. If there’s black smoke exhaust coming out of the mower, this is likely the cause. Now add your new oil. Tipped Lawn Mower Tipping your lawn mower more than 15 degrees while pointing the carburetor downwards, can also contribute to oil leaking from the crankcase as well as a breather tube. You will have to do a couple other things also. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Replace the air filter. Remove the air filter cover. I just cleaned it and replaced air filter, muffler, spark plug, blade, and changed oil (first time ever). Same story for looking underneath . Insert a new air filter. Join the Repair Clinic VIP email list for updates and special offers! But the better way is to clean the carb. As long as you have not been constantly trying to run your mower with gasoline in the oil tank, your mower … Get shopping advice from experts, friends and the community! Before it reaches the crankcase, oil must travel through a breather cavity, which has small holes that can get plugged by impurities, causing a backup in the oiling system and a leak near the carburetor and air filter. With your equipment model numbers ready, head to RepairClinic’s free Repair Help for troubleshooting information. JavaScript is disabled. Accidentally turned it the wrong way when changing blades not paying attention and got oil all in the air filter. We commonly hear this from customers, neighbors and family members: “I replaced the blade on my lawn mower and now it won’t start,” or “I tipped over my lawn mower and now it doesn’t start.”. Still ticking! A lot of mowers will actually stand upright all by themselves in this way after the handles are tripped . Will probably have oil flowing out the hole. You will repeat this about a dozen times to get as much oil as possible out of the cylinder. An air filter consistently clogged with oil is most likely the result of turning the mower over the wrong way when you work on the blades underneath the mower deck. Check, and if needed, replace the spark plug every year or two for gas-powered mowers: 1. Oil can then soak into the air filter, causing a restriction and the mower to not start, or run rich with fuel. 1. Remove the filter cover and the filter 2. Runs like a champ. Lawn Mower Maintenance tip-filters, the most important piece of advice is to regularly inspect, clean or replace the air filter.The air filter is located on or near the top or side of the engine. Both sides of a lawn mower engine aren’t the same. Possible cause 2: There is oil inside of the breather tube, which is connected to the carburetor. If you tip the mower so the air filter is pointing down oil will run out the breather into the air filter. Clean the Lawnmower Air Filter Regularly. RepairClinic.com has replacement parts for lawn mowers, small engines, string trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, pole pruners, hedgers, generators and other outdoor power equipment. Now spray some motor oil on both sides of the air filter. We've got millions of parts, hundreds of brands, and thousands of step-by-step videos— everything you need to find it, fix it and finish the job right. If it is getting low, then that could indicate a possible leak, (check the floor where it stands), or problems with wear inside the engine. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Leave the cap to dry out or replace with a new cap. Sixth, change the oil now while it’s hot. 4. little can affect how an engine works. Remove the old paper filter and discard. Replace the air filter housing. The reasons outlined above are some of the most common reasons why your lawn mower could be blowing white smoke. Oil can then soak into the air filter, causing a restriction and the mower to not start, or run rich with fuel. This keeps the carb/intake/valve above the level of oil in your sump so oil wont enter your cylinder or carb. Air Filter Clear out any debris inside the housing 3. Too much oil in the crankcase can damage the motor of the lawn mower. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Just like with your push mower your riding mower needs to have some maintenance done before storing it for the winter season. Close, new air filter and plug are in order. Third, top off oil to mark. You've been given some solid answers. Starts first pull most times. You must log in or register to reply here. A foam filter lacks the ability to stop small particles as compared to a paper filter. Possible cause 2: There is oil inside of the breather tube, which is connected to the carburetor. Fourth, clean the old spark plug with carb cleaner and dry it. Let sit for 5 minutes. If you tip a lawnmower greater than 15 degrees with its carburetor pointing downward, then oil can leak from the crankcase and into the breather tube. Excessive oil the air filter will produce black smoke when you start the mower. Get free shipping on qualified 697775, Air Filter Lawn Mower Filters or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department. Too much oil can also cause the lawn mower to leak which can damage other parts of the lawn mower other than its motor. Both the carburetor and breather tube are connected to each other, and the carburetor is connected to the air filter. This is the side that must face skyward when the mower is tilted. Specifically a foam filter for a lawn mower needs oiled, but just lightly. Dxent 499476S 698754 Air Filter for 18-26 HP Intek V-Twins 492932S 696854 Oil Filter Poulan Craftsman Toro Lawn Mower Tractor Snow Blower 4.7 out of 5 stars 238 $16.99 $ 16 . 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