Riding lawn mower engine question????

dreher

I have a Briggs and Stratton 500 cc, 15.5 HP engine in a Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower.  About the fastest starting engine I've ever owned.  It often doesn't seem to even turn over once.  Hit the key, it is running.  Yes, I know, this ain't no high end mower but it does get my grass cut.  It seems to be running hot, at least it smells like it is running hot.  Engine oil is dead on, air filter seems reasonably clean.  So what else do I need to check??

dcon12

The temperature. Don

dunbarboyz

Did a mouse build a nest under the cover? Happens most years here.

jimdeere

Check that first. Make sure there are no grass clippings around the engine.

bpost

dunbarboyz said:

Did a mouse build a nest under the cover? Happens most years here.

BINGO!   Mice love to build nests under the engine cowl.  Pull off the flywheel cover and what ever bolts hold the plastic cover over the engine.  You may well find a mouse house on the cylinder(s).  It is common for these critters to find a lawn mower engine to be a great home.

buddyb

I just replaced the engine on a zero turn with a blown engine.Mouse nest under the cowl blocking air flow to the cylinders.Engine ran so hot that a connecting rod went through the block. 

dreher

Well, I will readily concede that is something I did not think of!  There are no grass clippings around the engine, that I would have noticed while checking the oil before start up, putting gas in it and checking the air filter.  Tomorrow, if I get home early enough, I will pull the plastic piece on top of the engine.  I hope it is that simple.  Thanks all!! 

varian

and if that isn't it you might have a very, very small oil seep at the valve cover and it is dripping on the exhaust.  this typically does not cause a problem but it does stink.

4205raymond

Most likely Mouse nest or grass under flywheel cover or tiny leak at head gasket.

Nanuq907

What does the plug look like?  Crispy flaky white or toasty brown?