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Another B&S 18.5 OHV Intek that needs help!

12 years ago

My engine is blowing blueish white smoke. Runs for 5 secs and then quits. Gas is finding it's way into the oil. Lot's of gas runs out when I remove the spark plug. (probably due to me flooding the engine). I have reviewed (most or all) the prior postings on this issue. This same issue occured last year and the shop "cleaned" the carb and told me to put a small clamp on the gas line between the gas tank and the carb. This has worked until now.

What I've already done.....

Cleaned the carb by removing it and using carb cleaner and clearing the tiny holes with very small wire. (this was my first time doing this myself).

I've replaced the oil and filter, checked the selenoid on the carb and it's working at 12 volts.......best I can get is same smoke for 15 secs and then it quits. Smells like gas again in the oil but no gush of gas when I removed the spark plug. I've been changing the oil every winter, but not much else until the smoke problem last year when I had it serviced as I discribed above....it there some way I can determine a fix or is this a "blown gasket" since gas is finding it's way into the oil????....thanks in advance...tom

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Comments (6)

rcbe
12 years ago
did you put a rebuild kit into the carb that included and new float valve and seat? usually finding fuel in the crankcase oil means raw fuel leaking thru the carb system into the intake, past the piston rings and down into the sump. Running an engine with gas-diluted oil can also mean serious engine damage.
Until gas leakage is resolved, get an inexpensive inline fuel shutoff valve and use it religously. OTW, be ready to do an expensive rebuild/replacement.
walt2002
12 years ago
Agree with above. IF this engine is equipped with a fuel pump, gas may be being sucked into the crankcase thru a cracked pump diaphragm. You need to get the gas thing taken care of before you worry about a head gasket. Head gasket is not getting gas into the oil but may be causing the smoking.

Walt Conner
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Thanks for your input folks and sorry I haven't replied before now - had ticked the box "send me an email when you get a reply" and hadn't seen any sowas thinking I had no replies. I can't help but think that fuel shut off issue is the culprit as I checked the oil level before and it was fine - after the engine blew it was low - thought it must have flung some out but this makes more sense. What sort of $s are these motors in the US? - I wa\s quoted a "special" price of $1100AUD for a 15.5 Intek from localshop but there is one on ebay locally for $847 - details are 15.5HP OHV Premium Intek series. Model 31E677.0133.B1 with the std. universal 1" shaft. The deck is 42" and while I have 1 1/4 acres there';s lots of gardens so nota big job - only went with 42" as it was a good deal swcond hand - or so it seemed :( Thanks for your help & any more suggestions much appreciated - Graham
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narrowgauger
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks guys....I will do the rebuild kit as you both are suggesting.....I'll respond back with the "good news"....thanks again for offering your help......tom
Glenn13
12 years ago
I inherited a riding craftsman with an 18.5 doing the exact same thing. Gas in the Oil! This machine had only been used for one season, then put in storage for 3 years.
When I 1st started it; it smoked horribly, and saturated the exhaust with oil.
I've tried just about eveything, when a friend smelled gas on the oil dipstick. I drained the oil-and gas SHOT out . After putting in new oil-it fired instantly, and ran a few seconds, then shut down, and won't hit a lick!
I've cleaned the carb, my 1st try at this, with no good luck. Guess I'll take your advice, and get a carb rebuild kit. What about the fuel coil? Do you suppose it needs replacing?
walt2002
12 years ago
" Guess I'll take your advice, and get a carb rebuild kit. What about the fuel coil? Do you suppose it needs replacing?"

It would seem to me that the best thing to do is find out WHICH it is before starting to replace parts. You can easily check the coil for spark. You can put a few drops of gas down the carb to see if it will fire.
bill_kapaun
11 years ago
What's a "fuel coil"?

IF you don't know the proper terminology, I shudder to think of what you might be replacing.

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