My '93 John Deere RX 75 jas a 9 hp Kawasaki OHV. Out of the blue, when I last started it-it misfired, ran poorly, slowly gained power while blowing BLACK smoke (unburned gas.) When I full throttled & engaged mower deck (loaded the engine) it ran about 10 seconds-then blew incredible clouds of WHITE smoke (oil burning). Then, it would nearly run normal for about 30 seconds & then repeat the white smoke thing. Any ideas what has happened & how to fix? Thanks, Rob

Hey Rob, time for a new engine, new mower or an engine overhaul. I think your rings are shot and you have a stuck valve. I never got a RX75 to last 15 years so you good so far. Its hard to find a rider this small with that small of an engine but you can get a great replacement for under $1k this time of the year. I saw a 17 HP 40" rider at Walmart for $800. I personally would go in that direct before pooring money into a mower built in '93.

OK, thanks. I might see what it would cost to o/h myself, but probably won't have proper tools (valve grinder, ring compresser, etc.) Rob

Needs rebuilt