Murray 14HP OHV

16 years ago

First of all, I know how to start my mower and mow my yard. That is it.I have a Murray 14HP OHV- Model: 287707 Type: 0225 01 Model #:42813X92B Date of Manufacture: 1164. On Thursday I began mowing and after just beginning the third round, I noticed a change in the sound of the engine, and just after that - lots and lots of white smoke began pouring out of the front of the mower. I immediately stopped and turned it off- I was afraid it was going to catch on fire. After the smoke cleared and a quick prayer, I tried to start it again- knowing nothing would happen but so dreading having to push it to the back of my yard and under the covered porch, I tried it anyway- and nothing. So today, my Mom and Dad came to visit and work on another project. I hated to ask my Dad to look at anything else, but since the yard was so high and it was obvious that I had begun to mow it- I had no choice. He called a friend of his who said to check and see if the rocker arm was loose- then check to see if the tie rod was bent. Well, Dad looked and the rocker arm was loose but he did not have a tool that would work so he could check to see if the tie rod is bent. I said all of that to say this - what kind of tool does he need to check this? We borrowed every Allen Wrench my uncle owns and none of them worked. Sorry about the monologue, but thank you so much for your help.

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Comments (3)

mownie
16 years ago
rjt, stop looking at the valves, and it is "pushrod" you are trying to convey, but you are not going to find the cause of the awful white smoke in the valves area.
First, check the engine oil level. Is it over full? and does it smell like gasoline.
If it is over full and smells like gasoline, your carburetor has been leaking gas into the engine while the machine is in storage between uses. The gas finds its way into the engine oil and when you begin using the engine, it gets warm and begins burning the mixture of gas and oil that gets fed to the engine, and that might be where your white smoke is from. If you find gas in the oil, change the oil at once. You also need to add an inline fuel shutoff valve and learn to shut it off except when the engine is running to prevent future occurances of this.
If you find the oil to be at the right level, and has no smell of gas, the cylinder head gasket has "blown" and will have to be replaced.
But there is no reason to mess with the valves in search of smoke like this.
walt2002
16 years ago
As Mownie says above BUT IF it is the head gasket, you will need to mess with the valves. I have detailed instructions on adjusting the valves along with head bolt torque, pattern and some other helpful hints at email address below, put in proper format and remind me of what you want.

You should be able to get a free download Service Manual for your engine at - http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/

Walt Conner
wconner5 at verizon dot net
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bushleague
16 years ago
It is common for these engines to flood the crankcase, hopefully the head gasket is still intact. I would remove the blower housing (four bolts) plus the dipstick tube and make certain that the engine cooling fins are clean of debris. You may want to clean the carb and change the float needle, and add an inline fuel shutoff to prevent this from recurring.