Engine Smoking afterwards...?

Question

Craftsman Riding Mower. 16.5 HP. It runs about 25 minutes and gasps for something, then dies.  If you wait a while for the engine to cool down it will start again and do the same process all over.  

We originally thought it was the battery but the battery has 12.6 v after the mower quits so that isn't it.  The plug, oil and fuel filter were all changed recently (2 weeks ago) and made no difference.

After this last episode, I pulled up the "hood" and there was a bit of white smoke coming through the flywheel cover.  That can't be good, and I will not run the thing for very long now cuz I am afraid that I will blow the engine.

First and foremost, I am not a mechanic.  I am trying to learn it and it is not coming fast enough for my liking.  Money is also an issue.

I do know that there are little tricks that you can do to check whether a component is working or not and I would like to know what they are if anyone knows..

Model # 917.271090, and the owner's manual can be downloaded from sears.com.  The only thing I did extra was replace the belt for the mower blades and it cuts fine.  The battery is fine every since I added water to the cells.  I don't haul anything, there are no attachments added and I don't use the headlights.

Thank you for anything you can suggest short of an external link to click on.  I am not that stupid.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This is a classic case of ignition coil overheating. Change the ignition coil and you're good to go.
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renpen · Answer

A couple of things come to mind.  First, the engine may not be cooling enough due to grass and stuff in the cooling fins.  It is not too difficult to remove the fan shroud and clean the cooling fins.  There are a few bolt that have to be removed but nothing you can't handle.  In fact the owner's manual recommends it and shows the basics of how to do it.  The other thing would be the ignition coil.  When they get hot they will fail and when cooled they will work.  A rather common form of failure but it can be hard to catch.  When the tractor dies, check for spark while it is still hot.  If there is no spark, it could mean that the coil is going bad.  The white smoke from the flywheel or fan cover may be some oil on the engine, most leak a little bit.  Just like a car engine when it is shut off after working the temp goes up due to lack of cooling air.  That is why you should keep the cooling fins clean and idle the engine for a couple of minutes after hard work.  In your case the engine quits so you don't have that option.  Hope some of this is useful.

Dubidiocho · Answer

It sounds like the fuel filter needs changing. You may have an in-line filter on the fuel line between the tank and the carb. which is secured with hose clamps.

T-A-D Lives!! · Answer

Renpen gave you a good answer.  But you can also ask this question directly to Sears own service experts for free on www.managemylife.com.

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Engine Smoking afterwards...?

4 Answers