I just bought a used Yard Machine with a 14.5 OHV rideing mower. I cut the yard and before I was finished it was "bellowing out white smoke (smells like oil). I checked the oil leave...good, cleaned the air filter, added freash fuel and still the smoke is comeing out....more when under a load. I'm thinking bad ring's? I've got no oil leaks anywhere on the mower, so Im thinking I need to replace the rings? Thank you for the help in advance.......Will

Will-N-Missouri, July 2009

I know you`ve said that you`ve cleaned the air filter but try running it for a short time without the air filter in to see if that cures the problem.
sometimes they look clean and they are still blocked.

Jimmy., July 2009

Thank you for the direction, I was sure not to over fill the block with oil, I "under filled" it being it is used just to be sure the dip stick is the correct one.

Will-N-Missouri, July 2009

Usually oil smoke is blue in colour...however, check the oil level again and make sure it isn't overfilled. Its certainly possible to fit new piston rings to these but you could need a rebore too. Do a bit of homework first, and check out the price for a 'short' engine before jumping in. A compression test could show if the cylinder is badly worn, but it isn't really reliable on these engines.

John, July 2009