Riding mowers smokes and then stops running?

Answer 1

The answer depends on the color of the smoke. Black smoke: The engine is flooding with excess fuel - check the condition of the spark plug and the air filter and clean/replace as necessary. If that does not solve the problem, check the carburetor choke for freedom of movement, or adjust the carburetor as necessary. Grayish-blue smoke: Too much oil is getting into the combustion chamber and fouling the spark plug. If it is a 2-cycle engine, too much oil is being added to the fuel - use the correct ratio. If it is a 4-cycle engine, check the oil level and drain as necessary. If the blue smoke persists, the piston rings are worn or the piston cylinder wall may be scored. An overhaul may be necessary. In either case, remove and inspect the spark plug. Clean, adjust, and/or replace as necessary