B&S Intek smoking bad

[john_incircuit]

My not even 12 month old Briggs and Stratton 121602 0349 (purchased it as a take off from the small engine warehouse) is suddenly smoking badly. I put around 120 hrs on it, changed oil and cleaned the filter every 25 hrs. Three weeks ago I only could smell a hint of oil, now, it is smoking big time. Is there a chance that this is only the head gasket, or is it better to pay another $110 for the replacement engine special?

Thanks for the help!!

[Phil G]

Originally Posted by john_incircuit

My not even 12 month old Briggs and Stratton 121602 0349 (purchased it as a take off from the small engine warehouse) is suddenly smoking badly. I put around 120 hrs on it, changed oil and cleaned the filter every 25 hrs. Three weeks ago I only could smell a hint of oil, now, it is smoking big time. Is there a chance that this is only the head gasket, or is it better to pay another $110 for the replacement engine special?

Thanks for the help!!

Hi, that's not really a lot of hours for one of these. Could I suggest you try these.
Make sure oil is not overfilled
Run engine without air filter and check smoke. Run 4-5 mins
Run engine without exhaust and check smoke. Run 4-5 mins

Has the machine been tilted over? This can cause problems.
Check breather assy.

Personally I would not spend too much time on it if a replacement can be had for $110, that's way cheap compared to UK prices.

Keep old unit for spares after draining out the oil.
Good luck Phil

[Bill Kapaun]

Since that's an OHV engine, I'd suspect head gasket.
Often, if you remove the valve cover and start it, you can see a combustion "mist" blowing out the cylinder near the push rods.. Have a rag handy!
A head gasket is listed at $3.75 or the "kit" for $7.60 at the Briggs site.