LOTS of smoke question

notjustair · Nov 30, 2014

I only use the old MTD tiller twice a year. It is about 35 years old - 5 horse briggs. The last several times I have started it the thing smokes like a chimney for about 20 seconds and then no more smoke. We're talking a ton of smoke here. Only time I've seen that much smoke is when you overfill one of those little engines. The oil isn't overful, though. It is setting on flat ground, starts right up, and no smoke for the rest of the day. It uses a little oil - I might add less than a quarter cup if I put more than 20 hours on it. The only thing I can figure is the rings are stuck or something when I start it. It hasn't been tipped or anything - it has to be mechanical.

old · Nov 30, 2014

Not all that uncommon for and engine that is that old. Valve guides maybe leaking oil into the cylinder so when you start it up you get smoke.

T.R.K. · Nov 30, 2014

A lot of my older stuff smokes on startup if it wasn't stored with the carburetor dry. But be certain there is no gas in the oil.

jeffcat · Nov 30, 2014

Yea when you get that old let's see how much you leak!.

ShadetreeRet · Nov 30, 2014

If it doesn't use anymore oil than that when in use, I wouldn't worry. Like everyone else said, many engines, especially those with age, will smoke after setting for a while.

Bruce Dorsi · Dec 1, 2014

Horizontal crankshaft or vertical crankshaft?

When sitting for long periods of time, oil will seep past the rings on many B&S vertical shaft engines.

As you noticed, the smoking will stop after running a little. ...This is nothing to be concerned about.

Brian G. NY · Dec 2, 2014

I had an 8 HP Briggs on a 70s era snowblower that would only occasionally smoke when first started.
I mean enuf blue smoke to fill the garage!
Only did it once in a while. Quit smoking and ran perfectly after a minute or so.
Engine did not have many hours on it.
Never figured out what caused it. After awhile it stopped doing it and I later put the engine on a log splitter. I think those older Briggs engine are great!

Texasmark1 · Dec 6, 2014

+1. My worst offender is a DR trimmer with a little briggs 5-6 hp single. If I let the trimmer sit as it is, the front is lower than the rear by an inch or so and that puts the head at the lowest level. Get what you talk about upon start up and was that way when new.

If I put a couple of 2x4's under the trimmer head to elevate the head above the center line of the engine somewhat, no smoke at startup.

Mark

LOTS of smoke question

notjustair

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old

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T.R.K.

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jeffcat

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ShadetreeRet

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Bruce Dorsi

Member

Brian G. NY

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Texasmark1

Well-known Member

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