Dirty Air Filter

• The Snapper mower uses an air filter to purify all incoming air. This filter traps dust and other particulate matter. However, if the air filter gets too dirty, it won’t trap any dust and air will stop flowing into the engine. When this happens, the mower may start to heat up as the fuel burns at a hotter temperature. This can often cause the lawnmower to emit smoke, which often is bluish.
  
  

Dirty Spark Arrestor

• The Snapper mower uses a spark arrestor screen to trap any ignited embers from leaving the muffler. If these embers escape the engine they can start fires. However, when this spark arrestor screen gets clogged with carbon, the embers may ignite the carbon deposits inside the muffler, which will cause the engine, and the muffler to start smoking. This smoke will also be slightly blue or white. A new spark arrestor screen should be installed, and the muffler will need cleaning.
  
  

Oil in Carburetor

• If the oil on the Snapper lawnmower was changed improperly, a small amount of that oil may leave the crankcase and travel to the carburetor or the combustion chamber. Once the oil reaches the carburetor or the combustion chamber, it will also ignite during the combustion process. When this happens, the lawnmower will start smoking heavily, sending up larges clouds of a white or gray smoke. The carburetor should be removed, and the oil should be cleaned out.
  
  

Leaking Fuels

• The fuel travels in a circuit from the tank to the combustion chamber. At any point along this route, the fuel can start leaking. If the fuel leaks into other engine areas, when the engine gets hot, it may start burning this fuel. Fuel near but outside the combustion chamber can also be ignited and travel outward. This can be dangerous and may cause the entire engine to catch fire. If this happens, shut off the engine immediately and find the source of the fuel leak.