OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Tecumseh / Kirby Engines Tecumseh TVS90 on a Victa Base - smoking

Hey Guys,

I am after some advice on a Tecumseh TVS90 Push mower Engine on a Victa base. I�ll put up some photo�s later tonight. I did the standard service items to get it back up and running including:

1) Cleaned the carb and fuel system � paid particular attention to the emulsifier o-rings and both were in excellent condition
2) Carb jet fully cleaned
3) Reset magneto
4) Installed newly cut air filters

I normally never have much trouble with Tecumseh engines but this one has me a little stumped because it won�t stop smoking. It�s a white/ grey type smoke from the exhaust. I initially thought I might have filled the exhaust with oil by rotating the blade plate when cleaning underneath the mower however I replaced the exhaust for a quick fix and that wasn�t the problem so the original exhaust went back on.

I thought I might have a faulty breather so I gave the existing unit a clean and re-installed. Result � no change. I then proceed to replace the breather for another second hand breather set up and no change.

The engine has no leaks around the head gasket so I proceeded to check the compression. It is about 75 psi give or take a couple. That should be ok to get the mower up and running correctly. Unfortunately I don�t have a leak down tester.

Given the age of the mower I don�t want to remove the head except as a last resort to inspect the bore. It is likely to be warn given the age of the mower but I don�t think it should be smoking as badly as it is.

I am after some thoughts before I open up the block! I�d prefer to avoid that situation because I�ll likely ruin the gaskets and make the refurbishment un-economical.

Thanks

Jaffa

Hi Jaffa, at this stage i'd say it's a broken oil ring or a heavily scored bore.
I have a method for removing the head without damaging the gasket(most of the time)
Hit the head squarely with a hammer, top and bottom, until the head drops off on its own
Cheers, Ted

Really depends if the engine has a metal or graphite version. I have no luck in getting those graphite head gaskets off without some damage.

Could even be a badly worn valve guide...I have seen many 3.5-4hp Briggs that smoked to be just a worn out valve guide instead of rings and/or cylinders.

Don't remember what the valve stem size is but it is 1/4" version should be able to ream and install a new guide if needed. For me I can no longer get the aftermarket valve guides I once could so it is back to the Briggs ones.

I was hoping you guys might tell me I missed something.

I ended up stripping the engine back and taking off all necessary parts because of a heavily scored bore. The bore had deep grooves. Before I dismantled the mower I pushed it through some long grass and it started to knock so it was well and truly dead.

First half reasonable Tecumseh I have come across that wasn't able to be saved. personally I rate them pretty highly.





I know others hate the carbs but when set up correctly they are nearly always an easy one pull start.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Managed to save another newer Tecumseh over the weekend. As usual it runs beautifully.