Riding Mower Blowing White Smoke When Blades Are Engaged

Your riding mower is ready to tame your lawn on a hot summer day. When you engage the blades, a cloud of white smoke appears. Why?

This problem is commonly caused by oil spilled over the mower engine or an overfilled oil reservoir. It can also be caused by carburetor debris, stuck blades, worn fuel filter, or improper engine oil.

Here, you can find out what’s wrong with your riding mower and how to fix it. Let’s get right to the point and discuss the issues without more delay.

Riding Mower Blowing White Smoke When Blades Are Engaged

Why Does Your Lawnmower Emits A Cloud Of White Smoke?

White smoke coming from your lawnmower indicates that oil has leaked onto the engines or has been dumped onto them. Therefore, when you restart the mower, the surplus oil starts burning, which results in the production of white smoke.

White smoke is typically caused by problems with the engine, oil that has been spilt over the mower engine, or an oil reservoir that has been overfilled.

There is also the possibility that it was brought on by a buildup of debris in the carburetor, blades that were stuck, or the use of an inappropriate grade of engine oil. It is also possible for it to happen if the angle at which you mow is greater than 15 degrees.

Related Post: Type of Oil to Use in Husqvarna Riding Mowers (A Complete Guide)

Reasons Behind Riding Mower Blowing White Smoke When Blades Are Engaged

Here are the common reasons why your riding mower blows white smoke when blades are engaged with fixes:

1. Carburetor Issues

White smoke coming from a lawn mower when the blades are engaged is usually caused by a problem with the carburetor.

This can be caused by a buildup of debris in the carburetor, such as dirt, dust, and other debris that has gotten into the carburetor.

It can also be caused by a clogged fuel line, or a faulty fuel filter. In some cases, it can even be caused by a faulty spark plug.

Bad Carburetor
Carburetor

The Fix

If the carburetor is the source of the issue, they may suggest cleaning it, or replacing it.

It is important to make sure that the carburetor is properly adjusted, as an improperly adjusted carburetor can cause smoke and other problems.

If you suspect the carburetor is the cause of the white smoke, it is best to take the mower to a professional for repair. They will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest the best course of action.

2. Oil Spilled on Engine

Oil spilled on the engine of a riding mower can cause white smoke when the blades are engaged. This is due to the oil being burned off by the heat of the engine.

This can also happen if you mow on slopes steeper than 15 degrees or if you turn your lawnmower on its side.

The Fix

If oil has been spilled on your engine, it is important to take the necessary steps to clean it up and prevent further damage.

  • First, turn off the engine and remove the spark plug wire.
  • Next, locate the source of the oil spill and remove any excess oil from the surface of the engine.
  • Then, use a rag to wipe away any remaining oil and debris. Lastly, add fresh oil to the engine and replace the spark plug wire.
  • Make sure to check the oil level regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding oil.

3. Wrong Grade of Engine Oil

When using the wrong grade of engine oil, the mower may blow white smoke due to the wrong grade of oil being too thin for the engine.

The wrong grade of oil may not provide enough lubrication to the engine, which can cause excessive wear and tear on the engine components and cause the engine to run hotter than normal. This can lead to excessive amounts of white smoke being emitted from the exhaust.

The Fix

To prevent this from happening, always check your owner’s manual to determine the correct grade of engine oil for your mower. This will ensure that the oil is of the correct viscosity and that it can properly lubricate the engine components.

4. Jammed Blades

White smoke is usually a sign of oil burning. This typically happens when the blades are jammed and the engine is forced to work harder than usual.

Wet, tough grasses might jam the mower blade. This blocked blade might make your electric mower smell burned or smoke.

The extra strain on the engine can cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber and get burned, resulting in white smoke.

 Blades
Blades

The Fix

To fix this, you should first check the blades for any obstructions and remove them. If the blades are bent, you should also replace them.

You should also check the oil level and top it up if necessary. If the problem persists, you may need to take the mower to a professional for further inspection.

5. Oil or Overfilling the Oil Reservoir

If you are using the wrong type of oil or overfilling the oil reservoir, this can cause the engine to blow white smoke when the blades are engaged. The white smoke is caused by the excessive oil being burned off in the combustion chamber.

The Fix

In order to solve this issue, you should first check the oil level and make sure it is at the correct level according to your owner’s manual.

If the oil level is correct, you should also check to ensure you are using the correct oil type as specified in your owner’s manual.

If neither of these is the issue, then you may need to take the mower to a professional for further inspection and repair.

6. Worn Fuel Filter

A worn fuel filter can cause white smoke to be blown from the exhaust of a riding mower when the blades are engaged.

Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris, reducing the amount of fuel that can pass through the filter and into the engine. When this happens, unburned fuel is forced through the exhaust, resulting in white smoke.

The Fix

It is important to check the fuel filter regularly and replace it when necessary to help ensure the engine runs properly.

To replace a fuel filter, you will need to:

  • Locate the filter and drain the fuel from the system.
  • When the fuel is drained, remove the old filter and install a new filter in its place.
  • Once the new filter is securely in place, refill the fuel system and start the engine to check for proper operation.

Related Post: Top 5 Smallest Riding Lawn Mowers in 2023

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is white smoke from my lawn mower dangerous?

No, white smoke from a lawn mower is usually not dangerous.

I put new oil in my Lawn Mower now it smoking white: why?

It could be because there is too much oil in the engine or because the oil is not the correct type.

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