I have a Mcculloch classic m3540PD,recently the cord jammed,after turning the blade about 20 times it eventually freed itself enabling it to be started,it then started spitting out oil at first and now has white smoke coming out through exhaust,any ideas what could be wrong with it please?

Joe, September 2008

Agree- it may have a similar engine to the McCulloch, and to be honest the engine is probably the best bit of the McCulloch the rest is cr*p.

The problem you have sounds like "pilot error" and could happen to a £100 mower or a £1000 Hayter. I would check your oil level as it sounds as if it's been overfilled causing hydrostatic locking of the crankcase causing the symptoms you describe.

pleasant, September 2008

??? A hayter - certainly a better MOWER (at 5 times the cost), but it will have the same engine as the McCulloch!

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, September 2008

sounds like the piston rings have gone, quite common is a useless machine like a mccullock, do urself a favour and buy a hayter

James Stead, September 2008

sounds like ya just need to let it run for awhile and burn the oil out ...check the oil before and after

bg, September 2008

Did you turn it on it's side? If so, it will clear itself in about 10 mins.

Check the oil level

Phil Saunders, September 2008