[QHC]

I have a John Deere JE75 with a date code of 1999. I just bought it and it runs fine, but if it sits for a few days, when you start it up it puts out a small puff of blue smoke (smells like oil smoke) then runs clean. It doesn't do it if you start it up warm. It seems like a little oil is getting into the cylinder when it sits. Is this going to be a problem?

I also have a 14SB that we bought new, close to 20 yrs ago that doesn't do this. I'm wondering if I bought a problem in the JE75 that's 1/2 the age of my 14SB?

Thanks,
Q

 

[Wayne195]

:welcome:

The smoke is probably a sure sign that your piston rings may be starting to wear, but if it's only on startup I wouldn't be too worried. Obviously it will need new rings in the future, but my Honda has had blue smoke right when it starts up for a few years now.

 

[QHC]

I understand. It just seemed odd since everyone says these engines usually outlast anything they are bolted to, so I was just wondering if there was anything specific to this Kawasaki engine.
Thanks.
Q

 

[bwdbrn1]

Hi QHC, welcome to MLMF. I've read fine things about the Kawasaki engines on the forums. I'd agree with Wayne, and I wouldn't think you've much of anything to worry about. Just like people from the same family, engines have their own little quirks and personalities. You say you just bought it. Have you serviced it? If not, you might try fresh oil, air filter and such and see if that changes anything.

 

[Brad]

I had an STX38 with a Kohler engine. On occasion, when starting it, it would smoke like crazy. I think it happened to be how the engine stopped and if a valve happened to be in the correct position to allow a bit of oil past the stem. A small bit of oil makes a lot of smoke!

 

[QHC]

Hi QHC, welcome to MLMF. I've read fine things about the Kawasaki engines on the forums. I'd agree with Wayne, and I wouldn't think you've much of anything to worry about. Just like people from the same family, engines have their own little quirks and personalities. You say you just bought it. Have you serviced it? If not, you might try fresh oil, air filter and such and see if that changes anything.

I cleaned the foam air filter, the paper one looked brand new as does the oil, so I thought I'd change it next season. I put new wheels and drive gears on it, greased the rear drive axle, sharpened the blade and installed a new battery. It seems just fine except for the puff of blue smoke on start-up sometimes.
Q