I have John Deere Lawn tracter with a 20 hp Kawasaki water cooled engine. I have about 250 hrs on it.
When I cut grass for about 30 minute it begain to smoke like a "freight Train".
I took it to the dealership and they the rings were sticking when it get hot. They suggested putting a short-block for a price of $3,000.00 which is 2/3 the cost of a new mower!
Have anyone ever had this problem?

Thanks

Leon

>Moved from Forum Help<

Before I spent 2/3 of the cost of the new mower into the engine, I would keep it for parts and buy a new one.

What color is the smoke, black or blue? Gas burns black, oil blue. If blue, look for crank case ventalation blockage. Explination does not sound logical. Valves stick, rings don't. I'd take it to some one else. Also check that there is plenty of water and that the fins of radiator are not blocked and plenty of air can get through. Make sure fan and water pump are working. The more I think about this the more it sounds like an overheating problem.

That dealership can make more money from you by selling you something you probably don't need. By dropping in a whole new engine, they'll make a nice profit, or make you want to buy a new one. Don't be surprised if Joe, the non-dealer, mower repair man down the street could fix your problem for a very small fraction of the amount.

You pay a premium for anything from a dealer, and they like to do as little as possible yet make the most profit as possible.