OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Briggs - Blows Random Smoke

Anyone here b able to shine some light on why every so often a ride on with a B&S engine will randomly blow huge amounts of smoke?

broken oil ring and/or a badly scored bore

Curious as to when is this happening most? Shortly are start-up or any time during use. I haven't seen any much here except when carburetors are having leaky needle valves.

It's weird usually happens under load in thick grass. Then let it idle and it clears itself

That would be when the engine is developing the highest compression loads.

I know that 280000,310000, and 330000 OHV versions all have head gasket issues of failure between the cylinder and the push rod galley. I have seen these to be anywhere from no smoke to heavy smokers. The only thing they primary have in common is excessive oil usage and signs of oil in the carburetor air intake.

I even had one that would blow blue-black smoke under loads to only clear up in off load conditions. It had just enough head warp-age to allow a pressure leak under load. A new head gasket resolve the issue after increasing the head bolt torque to the new spec.

AVB
Thanx for your advice that certainly sounds promising

As AVB said most likely leaky head gasket, depending on the age and model of your engine it is covered under warranty. If you decide to replace the head gasket yourself try using some Permatex High Tack Spray-A-Gasket Sealant never used it myself but have been told by other mechanics in the industry that it resolves the issue every time.