Kohler 301 engine always covered in oil

[Alrashid2 103]

Hey guys, curious if I'm being too picky and if this is normal or not.

 

Picked up a 1985 312-8 with the Kohler 301S engine on it. Noticed engine was sludgy looking so I cleaned off with brake cleaner and a good scrub and pressure wash.

 

Couple days and less than an hour run time later and I notice it's sludgy looking again...

 

Can't quite tell where the leak is coming from but it's all over the front of the engine. Looks to be from the carb, to the fuel pump, all the way down to the pan. All seems to be on the front only.

 

No drips or puddles on the ground and dipstick looks spot on, so it's not that bad, but just enough to make the engine grimy.

 

Is this ok to let be, it being an older engine and all? Id rather not tear and rebuild when it otherwise runs perfectly. Anyone ever tried a stop leak?

 

I have 10w30 in it because I'll be using it in temps between 25 and 85 F but I'm wondering if switching back to 30SAE would help at all.

Thanks all!

[kpinnc 11,835]

If you’ve removed the breather for any reason, the reed valve may be backwards. That or the fuel pump gasket is a common place for the engine to leak some. 
 

And no, I doubt SAE30 would make any difference. 

[ebinmaine 67,106]

Several thoughts. 

 

Clean it again and carefully watch the cylinder head gasket area. 

Pretty normal for those to go bad eventually. 

 

I'd seriously consider removing and cleaning your breather as a matter of maintenance. 

Because you'll have to remove the carb you might as well schmooge that out too.  Very easy.  

 

 

 

17 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

stop leak?

 

IMHO: 

 

 

DO NOT USE STOP LEAK. 

 

>>>>> EVER <<<<<

 

Find and fix the leak.  Period.  

 

 

 

19 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

10w30 in it because I'll be using it in temps between 25 and 85 F but I'm wondering if switching back to 30SAE

 

I don't have a manual for your model handy.

I'd defer to that. 

 

That said.....

Trina's mid 60s 8 HP Kohlers like HD30 all year. 

 

My mid 70s 16 HP Kohlers do NOT like to start below about 20⁰ unless I change to 10W30.  

 

 

 

[kpinnc 11,835]

1 minute ago, ebinmaine said:

DO NOT USE STOP LEAK. 

[JimSraj 412]

Pictures would help but I’m gonna guess it’s spray from the breather. Clean it up and make sure it’s reed is properly installed. 

[953 nut 54,907]

Remove and clean the internals of your breather. If the filter is oil saturated clean it with mineral spirits and let it dry over night and be sure the louvers of the cover are pointed UP.