16hp Briggs opposed twin (from 5216H)

[tripleguy 74]

Oil leak from engine - I presume head gaskets as frame has a nice coating of dirt and oil. Probably blow 3 oz in a cutting right now. The engine doesn't really consume much oil - a puff of white smoke at start up and it will smoke when hot if I run it down to slow idle but when mowing at open throttle, I don't see any smoke. Would I need to pull the engine to get at head gaskets and re-ring the engine, lash valves or could I do this with engine in-place? Is it worth fixing this mid-size mower? I love the cut but my differential began leaking and I need to top it off once or twice a season.

[rokon2813 272]

You might be able to do head gaskets in the frame, IF you can get the tin off, but not rings. You pretty much always have to pull an engine to get the pan off to get to the rods to get the pistons out. The only exception I can think of is when the jugs (cylinders) unbolt, but I think yours is too old for that.

[tripleguy 74]

Thanks Rokon - makes sense. Might just do the head gaskets and see how that goes. Tin should come off OK I think. Had it mostly removed to replace the magneto a while back.

--Bill