I am having what I think is a problem with my John Deere LT 155. It was bought in 2000. When I first start the tractor I get a puff of gray smoke. When I let it idle I start get a lot of white smoke. I suspect that I may be overfilling the oil but think I am doing per the manual for the Kohler 15 hp engine.

My procedure: Remove the dipstick, and wipe it off. Set the dipstick in the tube and slowly rotate it until, as if untightening the cap, until the cap drops of the last part of the threads (My interpretation of Click). Take it out and check the oil level on the stick.

Is my interpretation of the engine and tractor manuals correct for checking the oil?

From Kohler Engine Manual

"Unthread and remove the oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. "

John Deere LT155 Manual:

"Install dipstick in tube, but DO NOT tighten it. Let the dipstick threads rest on top of tube, turn cap counterclockwise until it clicks or starts to engage the threads.