My Snapper 12.5hp mower will start, then after a minute or so, a cloud of smoke, and the engine cuts out. I removed the air filter and witnessed oil gushing up into the filter area. What is causing this, and is there a cure?

Lenny Baldino, June 2007

The floats in these engines are extremely sensitive. Make sure that there is no sediment in the bowl. Spray after the bowl is removed w/carburtor cleaner. If this doesn't work you need a new float. Make sure that before you do all that you change the oil.

Dean, September 2011

hello,
i had the same thing happening so i rebuilt the carb, be very careful with the tiny springs in the fuel pump on the side of the carb, my diaphram was worn out so far it was constantly putting gas into the cylinders and this was causing a gas/oil mix to run out the breather tubes. but once i rebuilt the carb and adjusted it properly it stopped and it now runs like a champ

chuck, May 2008

good chance you have a blown head gasket if you still have compression.

datsello@windstream.net, December 2007

your govenor could be set too high check the ajustments of the govenor

Tim, July 2007

make sure the mower is not over filled with oil
but this is a sign of the rings bypassing

bg, June 2007