I have a Performance Power 420 (PP420) with a Briggs & Stratton Clasic 35 Engine, It has been smoking a lot and eventually it cut out and wouldnt start. I have replaced the Plug, Air Filter, and changed the oil. It will now start, however it still smokes a lot. Any Ideas?

Rich, September 2008

my engine is chugging black smoke & cutting out

fred crown, March 2011

poss broken piston ring, if it is you'll have to take head & barrel off, put a new ring on the piston. try a compression test.

mike, January 2009

how can i get a works manual for my yardman dx 70 mtd

philip bell, October 2008

I had a similar problem and after repeated visits to a "specialist" who kept replacing the gasket between the fuel tank and carburettor I decieded to have a look myself. Indeed the gasket had blown again and I found that the face of the carburettor was warped. I flattened it off with a file, washed it out with clean petrol to clean out the swarf, fitted a new gasket and it's been ok for a summer and a half. hope this helps.

Paul, September 2008

Your description of problem would indicate too much engine oil in sump ?? is it being filled to no more than the max on the dipstick. We see this problem in our workshops very frequently. Too much oil can cause destruction of the carb diaphragm which pumps petrol to the carb. Excess oil will also take approx 15 to 20 mins to clear in the exhaust after oil is at correct level so engine will smoke for this time.

Bob, September 2008