I have an MTD riding mower with a Briggs & Stratton 17 hp ohv single cylinder engine model # 313777 type 0163-e5 code 020408ze. It runs great summer & winter but after 10 years it is starting to make a little smoke and run hot. Lately it has been shutting down after @ 20 minutes of mowing and is very hot. I guess the automatic shut off is being caused by low oil pressure which is causing the excessive heat. What is the remedy or repair for low oil pressure?

Hi,
There is no automatic shutoff for that engine. First thing I would check is the flywheel key to see if it is partially shear causing it to be out of time causing the heating. You will get to check for debris beneath the blower housing just getting there. My guess is that the heat is causing the armature to fail.
Peace,
Clarke