An oil leak can be a serious problem for your push lawn mower. If too much oil leaks from the engine, it could damage the crankshaft and connecting rod. To avoid that damage, let’s look at a few areas to see if we can determine where the leak is coming from.
If the oil is on the deck in the front of the engine, chances are it is coming from a valve cover gasket or the head gasket. It could also be seeping from the crankcase gasket.
If the oil is coming from the side of the engine, it could be the crankcase breather is leaking or the crankcase gasket is seeping.
If the oil is leaking down from the top of the engine, the seal or bearing surface is worn out at the top of the crankshaft.
If the oil is leaking from the bottom of the engine, the seal or bearing surface is worn out at the bottom of the crankshaft.
In each of these cases, the leak can usually be repaired. If the leak is on the top of the engine, it might not be possible to repair it if the crankcase is worn and oil is leaking by it.
On older Tecumseh engines, the crankcase breather is on the top of the engine and that can be replaced to stop the leak.
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Finding and stopping the oil leak on your push mower is the only way to save your valuable engine.