How do I diagnosis a head gasket issue Kohler Command 18 Hp

[Gulkanariver]

Yes. I was reading in one of the threads about how easy it is to bend the valve cover so I bought a new one. Put it on today.

[rjtlawncare]

Originally Posted by piston slapper

A few questions...
Does the engine smoke ?
Is the sparkplug fouled ?
How much oil does it use or leak ?
Does the engine make a hissing noise..like air brakes..when you shut it off ?
Is your oil level too high ? Smell like gas ?

I've got an kawasaki fh541 17 hp that smokes on start up, but then stops. Sometimes no smoke. sparkplugs foul up. Uses about 1 ounce per hour? makes hissing noise on shut off. I sometimes over fill becomes it uses so much oil. Does not smell like gas. What's the deal??