HUGE GT 275 issues...

[justicedealt]

Ok, let me preface this by saying that the engine is free, and IT WILL START!

I went to mow today, and noticed that there was quite a bit of oil leakage. There were 5 spots about the size of a 50 cent piece in a circle that is about the same size as the shaft cutout in the frame/body of the mower. I ASSUMED it was an issue where it was leaking from the drain plug/tube from the block, as I have had it come loose before. I sured it up, checked the oil, and added it appropriately.

While mowing, the engine lost power for a split second then a very large amount of smoke came out of the muffler. I immediately disengaged the PTO for the blades, when the smoke stopped. Still idled well, and was making no noises internally. As I was halfway done, I decided to ride on thinking that I may have put too much oil in it. Well, the second time this happened there was more smoke, and it popped through the exhaust when I cut it off, and I did it immediately... Seal maybe? Ring? Cracked case? It is still not making any noises that I would call unusual from what it normally sounded like. The engine turns freely, and honest to god it will fire up right now if I hit the ignition.

Oh, this is the Kawasaki 17 HP SC, gas, air cooled, hydro static... Thanks...

 

[justicedealt]

Nobody?

 

[955er]

My 275 exhibited everything you said except that it would not restart. It would backfire HUGE. If it backfires and pops, chances are you have a valve issue (that's what mine was). The valve kit was $70 at the JD Dealer.