Briggs 15 HP OHV, Model 311707, type 0138-E1, code 010228ZE.
151 hours on engine. Large volume of oil being blown into carb/air cleaner.
Heavy clouds of gray smoke. Oil level on dip stick normal. Engine loads up and dies.
What are possible causes and solutions?
Woodman 65

Hi,
I do not bear the best of news! Your engine is of a model and age where it is subject to a defect that occurred in Briggs engines. It was in the early 31 cu. in. engines, which you have since yours was made February 28, 2001.
I will tell you how to check it. Best to get the hood out of the way, if you can easily. Remove the spark plug, 5/8" plug socket and ratchet. Next remove the valve (rocker arm) cover by usinf a 3/8" socket and ratchet to remove the four bolts fastening it. You may wish to put a rag beneath it as it will leak an ounce or two of oil that has not drained back down into the sump.
Next to investigate! All is done visually. You should be able to turn the flywheel/screen on the top of the engine without too much effort and speed is not necessary. Now observe the two rocker arms that are now visible and turm the flywheel in a clockwise direction. As you turn watch the rocker arms for movement. Each should move once for each two revolutions of the flywheel, but it is not whether they both move, they both should. The amount they move is what you are looking at. If what I think has happened is true, You will see one move quite a bit so as to open one valve about 3/4" and the other will move but just barely or significantly less.
Some of the engines of this model and age have camshafts that were not properly hardened and the exhaust lobe wears down so that it barely opens the valve and thereby causes the engine to have no power or performance.
If your rocker arms move in this fashion, post again ad I will discuss your next move.
Peace,
Clarke