Briggs 18 HP Startup Smoke

[TWG1572]

I have an older twin cylinder L head engine. It always kicks off a puff of bluish smoke at startup, but it clears up after about 5 seconds. At the end of the year, I always do a oil/air filter/plug change and my plugs are usually black. I put about 10-15 hours per year on it.

I'm assuming I have oil getting by the piston rings. But I'm not seeing a oil spray when I look at the crankcase breather, and if I hold my hand in front of it, it stays clean. I'm running Mystik JT-8 Synthetic Blend 30wt.

Any suggestions on better oils that may reduce the fouling - or other thoughts? I've also heard that you should run the oil level a little low on these engines to reduce the smoke, but I've been a bit hesitant to do that.

 

[Barkleymut]

I had a 25 HP Kohler that I used 500 Hours per year for 6 years and it always gave off a little puff of blue smoke at startup. Sold it with almost 3000 hrs on it and it still ran strong.

I wouldn't worry about it. Just check the oil level every once in a while and you will be fine.

 

[JTK]

Yep, vertical shaft engines do tend to get some oil seepage from the sump into the cylinders. Slightly overfull or parked off level will do it.

Joel

 

[Turk]

+1 with JTK. Same as mine...