Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi Guys-

I have a Kawi OHV powered walk behind 21" mower. I use the mower exclusively in the mulching mode and therefore  like to clean the underside of the deck every two or three weeks. I put a floor mat on the ground and  flip the mower up on it's nose with the handles leaning on a saw horse. My issue is the smoking of the engine through the exhaust the next time I start it up. Obviously oil is getting into the combustion chamber due to the head down position the mower is in when I clean the deck. The plug does not foul and the smoke clears after a few minutes. Am I doing any damage?

Marc

I think lint or snowshoveller said one time if you are going to flip an engine out of it's normal operating position, tilt it so the spark plug faces up.

Damage. The worst thing I can think of is if the engine "hydraulics". In other words oil won't compress like air will. If you pull start the engine, it might not happen. A starter is more likely. However, if the engine starts, then sucks a big snot ball of oil into the combustion chamber, the oil will not compress and, the most likely thing to give many times, is the rod will bend.

You might want to wait for some real advise, rather than mine though.

Spark plug up is all I remember.

That action is called  "Liquid Lock"

On the Recip's in the Air Force, 

 we always turned the prop 15 blades in order to get rid

of any liquid ( gas or Oil )

 that may have leaked into any of the cylinders!!

 On OPE, If you suspect that you might have oil or gas

in the cylinders, pull the plug and pull it through a few

 times to clear it out!      

                                                                   Fred     

Marc - It looks like Fred covered it pretty well. Spark plug removal & a spinning over of the engine will clear out any oil in the cylinder. Next time be sure to either tilt the mower with the cylinder head facing upwards or tilt it sideways so that the carb is facing upward. You should be ok...

Marty

Hi Guys!

Thanks for the advice. Engine does not hydro-lock as I pull it through slowly a few times before starting it again. If I felt resistance I would pull the plug. Probably not going to use the "saw horse techhnique" any more because I don't want to tempt fate!! Man I hate cleaning the underside of the deck.

Marc