My lawn mower started smoking-whitish, looked like it came from the carb. It also made some shaky noises like something was loose. Then it quit running. A while later I started it again-it started fine, but I only got 1 row done before it started smoking again, making that noise and then quit again. My son had put it up the last time and all the oil drained out so I put new oil in. There was a lot of grass packed underneath also, but I try to knock that off. I'm afraid to pick it up and look for fear the oil or gas will run out again. Can I fix this myself or should I just take it in?

Recheck your oil level. The smoking routine you mentioned sounds like the crank case is being over-pressurized from too much oil. That results in the crank case breather dumping oil into the intake of the carb. Then you see all the white smoke and hear the engine making odd sounds because of the excess crank case presure. Just re-check the oil level. There are 2 lines on the dip stick. The oil level should NOT be above the upper line with the dip stick fitted in the run position.

If you still have the problem please respond with an engine model number. If it is a Briggs and Stratton engine the number will be on the air shroud near the spark plug wire. Honda and tecumseh the number will be not far from the lower end of oil tube or next to the dip stick on engines without an extended tube stamped on side of the engine base.

Let me know if you still need help after correcting the oil serviciing level. There is more that can be checked..... just need that engine number.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly