Engine Smoke

[DaveRave07]

I am looking to buy a used WB, its got a Kawi 15 HP with a 48" deck. I gave it a test run and I really liked the way it ran, not complaining with the performance but the engine did smoke a little. Now I would be getting this mower at a pretty good price but it would not be worth it if I would have to put a lot more money into it in the near future.

What is your opinion. Does a little smoke signal that the end is near or will I still be able to get some good hours out of the machine. Any experiences or info would be a big help. Thanks.

[dwost]

I have the same motor and it's given off a puff of smoke on start up since day one. I've heard this is quite common with these motors. I've not had any issue with mine at all and it starts on the first pull every time. If it smokes while running that is another story but if it's only at startup I think you are OK. Maybe one of the experts can chime in here as well.

[lawnmaniac883]

What color smoke? Black, Blue or white?

[DaveRave07]

Originally Posted by lawnmaniac883

What color smoke? Black, Blue or white?

I would say it was closest to white, could have been a little greyish. The smoke was very minimal with the most visible on the start, I would say very minimal while running, if any, certainly not continuous. Thanks for the imput I need some advice.

[lawnmaniac883]

Ok, white smoke just means water in fuel/carb. That is not all that bad, it will all be burned out eventually. I would buy it, the smoke is not indicative of a problem if it is an aircooled engine. Had it be liquid cooled then it would be a blown head gasket.

[DaveRave07]

Lawnmaniac -

Thanks a lot, I can tell you know a lot about these engines. For my personal knowledge in case I encounter something in the future what type of problem would it be if there was black or blue smoke at what is the seriousness of them? Again thanks for the knowledge.