dsholler 54 #1 Posted February 16, 2013 Am I correct in assuming that an engine that used to not smoke at all, but now fills the garage in 10 seconds and when you can see what look like rust particles in the otherwise clean oil has a blown gasket? Would there be anything else that could cause this, especially something that would be accompanied by a rattling sound? Long story short, I had the rattle, then the clutch spring broke, the engine started to smoke, and the stater bendix bound up. ( all this in one afternoon after a lot of snow blowing ) I have replaced the spring and cleaned and lubed the bendix, but I think the gasket may be beyond my abilities, if hat is what it is. I guess the reason I am asking is that I do to want to have to take it to the shop, so I am hoping there is something else that could cause it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groundhog47 347 #2 Posted February 16, 2013 (edited) Would think it wouldn't run with blown head gasket, at least with smaller one's not even starting. Can't always hear blow by either. Smokin' sounds like a ring or valve guide blow by. Check to see if plug oil fouled any and that crankcase breather functioning and not plugged to atmosphere. Also did by any chance it get overfilled with oil (system with crankcase ventilation recycling through carb will send some overfill into combustion). As for internal rust...? Rattling, sounds like something loosening, tolerance or torque wise. At best case some sort of tear down, starting with top, worst case bottom end. Wait for other advice b4 you do anything though. Luck and best case findindings to ya! Oh yes all this thinking single cylinder only, two cyl symptoms may be! Edited February 16, 2013 by groundhog47 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsholler 54 #3 Posted February 17, 2013 I realize I was a bit too terse earlier. The rattling noise was there for a short period before the smoke, and went away. The engine is a magnum 14 which I believe is original to the tractor, although the head looks to be newer than the rest, or at least extremely clean. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
855ownerJoel 32 #4 Posted February 17, 2013 Does not sound like head gasket. They would leak to external. Sounds to me that I would expect to see a ring problem. Pull the head and you should be able to visually inspect the piston and the valves from the top. Look for play in the cylinder with the piston partially down the bore. From what you stated earlier it doesn't sound like a simple stuck ring problem to me or head gasket. Cannot tell until you get into it though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsholler 54 #5 Posted February 17, 2013 Hmmm. The conundrum is that I do not have the time and the skills ( or the tools) to rebuild it. And I am thinking now that I may need to turn it over to someone with experience Anybody know a good shop in Fairfield county ct? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
