Gas found mixed with oil in my Troy-bilt lawn tractor

[Ima Goodguy]

I started my Troy-bilt (super bronco) the other day. I almost immediately started running rough and smoking profusely. I shut it down and remembered the last time this happened. Sure enough I checked the oil dip stick and the fluid level was a couple inches above the full mark. And it smelled like gasoline. I put a pan under the drain plug, opened the drain plug and the fluid contents poured out like water and smelled like gas.

As mentioned, this had already happened once before. My question is: How can gasoline be getting mixed into my oil pan ? This same situation once happened to my girlfriends mower.

I have never mistakingly poured gas into the oil filler, and I suspect that someone is out to get me - unless someone can explain a good reason how else this could happen.

TIA

Paul

(P.s

[Ima Goodguy]

Wow... Thanks Ralph. I hadn't thought about that. I did ponder " carburetor " for a moment, but not the float valve. In my paranoia I immediately suspected foul play. I changed out the oil and did my mow job, parked the mower. Then ran a length of black thread across the garage opening ( no doors ) and check it periodically to see if anyone had 'tripped' it. My next move was to be a trip to Harbor Freight and buy a motion detect alert gizmo ($16.95). Then I'd fill my S&W 357 with 38 Sp shot shells and wait for my queue...

Would it help to burn some kind of carburetor cleaner stuff ?

It's a 2006 Super Bronco w/B&S 19 hp if'n that makes any dif.

Thanks again ... ( them shot shells are $15 a box of ten ... too much to waste ..)

Ima ... ( actually Paul .. ).

[Ima Goodguy]

Mistake. The engine is a KOHLER 19hp... I believe it is Model SV530S.

[Ralph Mowery]

I don't know about this particular motor, but if the float in the carburetor hangs up, the gas runs into the piston and down the gap in the rings to the oil pan.

[willshak]

Save your money. I have one and it is too sensitive. Sets off the alarm in a breeze when a leaf moves anywhere in its field of view. I think it may detect flying insects too. It set off more false alarms than real ones. You'll find that you will be disconnecting it during the time when you really need it for your purposes, i.e. at night.

[Ralph Mowery]

Hollow points are more effective and less expensive. You do need to post a warning sign. Goes something like bullets are too expensive to waste, so do not expect a warning shot.

[Pat]

Adding a fuel shutoff would help. You could run it out of gas before putting it away.

[Ima Goodguy]

Great idea. I'll look into it..

Ima

[Ima Goodguy]

Another good idea.

I'm not looking to kill anyone over this matter ( if indeed someone is tampering with my mower ). Just wanna give'em something to think about while pulling BBs out of their bottom.

I will post a sign.

Ima

[trader4]

h to waste ..)

As Ralph suggested, sounds like it could be the carb float sticking. You can pull the carb, take off the bowl and clean it. They have carb rebuild kits available online, Ebay etc that cost typically $10. They include new needle valves, gaskets, etc. The gasket between the carb and intake is usually not included, so get one of those too. Carb cleaner and compressed air if you have it to clean it.

[Ima Goodguy]

I've never taken a carb off nor rebuild one. Is it something an average person can handle ? I suppose I could google up a diagram or two.

Ima

[trader4]

It helps to have the shop manual which is probably available online for free if you're lucky or for purchase.