I have an 9-year old Sears Craftsman snow thrower Model: 536.887752 with a Briggs & Stratton Intek Snow Over Head engine Model:12C314-0131-E1
http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/18mtvEXKnfBhU7y.pdf
In the process of getting it ready for upcoming winter I noticed engine oil on my shed floor. After removing the bottom cover plate of the thrower, oil was of course all over the inside of the plate. I inspected all drain plugs and bolts and made sure all was tight including the oil filler dipstick tube. Cleaned up oil and started her up and let it run for about 3 minutes. I noticed oil leak at front of engine toward auger side where engine is mounted to frame. I inspected some more but can't see anything outstanding. I don't see any cracks but oil seems to be coming from front bottom of engine where mounted to frame. The oil appears and runs on frame. I have included link to the engine parts list above. I don’t think it is oil seal Ref.#20 because I don’t see any oil dripping or running down from this area. I have checked and tightened the crankshaft cover bolts especially paying attention to the bottom three but the oil isn’t coming from there. What else should I look for? I am pretty handy and can certainly remove the engine and get into it. I just don't want to tear it apart any further if I don't have to. I already have the auger/impeller assembly separated as I have new belts and was going to replace them anyways. It would be nothing now to remove the engine if I have to. Any help you can give me to point me in the correct direction would be appreciated. I am starting to think the worst like the block is cracked underneath. Thanks so much!
This message was modified Oct 8, 2012 by chopper
