Any ideas what is wrong with my B2150 ?

[TimP]

To me it sounds like blow by being vented from the crankcase.

I'd let the dealer figure this one out.

Thanks to everyone for the ideas.

Egon.... what do you mean by "blow being vented."

Thanks, Tim

 

[Egon]

Combustion gasses are getting into the crankcase and are then vented out the vent pipe.

 

[TimP]

Combustion gasses are getting into the crankcase and are then vented out the vent pipe.

This would more probably indicate a head gasket prroblem then ?

At least that would be better than some other possibilities which would allow combustion gasses in to the crankcase I guess.

How big of a deal is it to replace a head gasket on the B2150 ?

Thanks, Tim

 

[Egon]

You have to wait for a diagnosis to find out what the real problem is. A head gasket may be the cause but there are many other areas of interest also.

 

[TimP]

I was thinking of having a fall tune-up done anyway.... and many dealer are running their Fall/Winter specials for service work.

So I just got off the phone with the local dealer service dept who said they will probably pick it up this afternoon.

$275 for their basic tune-up special. Oil, filter(s), clutch adjustments etc.
The killer for me is the extra $155 pick up and delivery charge.

I explained my smoke and loss of power problem and the service mgr said it sounded like water or other fuel contamination. But they will search for the problem.

I'll let you all know what they find... and what it ends up costing.

Thanks again, Tim

 

[Egon]

I surely hope it is a fuel problem.

 

[TimP]

Me 2.

I'd rather spend the cash on Christmas presents....

But you gotta do what you gotta do.

Tim

 

[rdsaustintx]

As I read this, the OP says smoke came from the engine, but NOT out of the exhaust. If so, forget water in the fuel.

Volf beat me to it (again). You *hope* it's a head gasket!

 

[TimP]

UPDATE:

Not much of an explanation... but I guess it's good news.

The dealer called me this afternoon and said my tractor was ready.

I asked him what they found causing the smoke and loss of power, and he said it was my air filter.

He said it was pretty much completely blocked with dust, pollen and grass.

I have no idea how this would cause the problem... but at least they did not discover any major problem.

Other than a fan belt which was dry rotted, all they did was the "tune-up".

This was the fuel filter, oil filter, oil change, check and top off all other fluids, adjust clutch. This was all done wiht ther fall "Special" price of $275... plus the cost of the new fan belt and pick up & delivery charge of $155.

Totalled up to $500. They were going to deliver back to my house today.

So... not too bad. Very quick service.

Now I just have to drop the mower and mount the FEL and rear blade. I usually dont' swap the blade out for my snowthrower unless they are calling for some major snowfall. ( 8" + )

Thanks to all for your idea and help... I'd still like to know how a clogged air filter caused the problem though.

Tim

 

[Egon]

That is good news.

So much for all us advisors.