Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 31P777-0296-E1, automatic compression release, blown head gasket

Question
Hello John,
sorry I cannot reply to the original question here is the follow up answer for you though. Bear with me I am getting the info from my hubby who does not use a computer.

The problem is burning oil and lots of smoke.
Oil is leaking from fuel pump
oil in reed reservoir
oil is being pushed up the dipstick

hope that makes more sense now. He was told it was the pistons but he did a compression test and it read 150lbs.

Thanks,
Moinque

Answer
It sounds like a blown head gasket, or engine wear. It isn't always going to show on a compression test as these engines build up an excessive amount of compression and require a automatic compression release to get it down to a level that will allow the small battery to turn it over. Either way you must pull the head to fix it, and it should be obvious what the problem is when you remove the head.