Need helpd diagnosing oil smoke from Husqvarna lawn tarctor...Kohler engine

[Dueller]

Trying to help my dad diagnose oil smoke problem..."Courage 20" 20 hp Kohler engine. Same one used in Craftsmen IIRC. It starts fine, no bottom or top end rattle..no knocking. When you increase speed it starts smoking badly...from exhaust pipe.


I've looked at online forums but most seem to have the opposite problem...smoke on start up suggesting valve guides or possibly head gasket.

Oh yeah...dad may have ooverfilled the oil a bit. He's 600 miles away...just wanna get an idea of what may be wrong.

Any ideas? thanks in advance

EDIT: DAD corrected me...it is coming from exhaust

[gr8fl4porsche]

I have had issues with my B&S lately regarding smoking.

First time it was a blown head gasket. No second guessing that problem. Smoked up the whole neighborhood and stopped running. Solved with a new head gasket. Easy job.

Second time it was the fuel slowly leaking into the engine. Carb would never shut off completely so the gas ended up filling up the crank case. Eventually the level was too high and it started burning off the gas/oil combo. Solved with an added shut off valve in gas line. Easy fix.

Too much oil will definitely cause smoke. Did he drain some out?

[Jagshund]

I'd try hitting the oil issue first, too. Drain and fill to the right level- could be overflow burning off the exhaust manifold, too.

[Chocaholic]

Had the same exact issue with a 15.5 hp Kohler a few years ago. It was the head gasket. I contacted Kohler directly and the customer service was amazing. They sent me the parts and service manual free of charge. I sensed it was not an uncommon issue.

[Daytona]

I have a kohler on my cub cadet rider which smoked as well. Tightened up the overhead valve cover, problem solved. It is located right behind muffler and oil drops on it. Hope this helps.