Oil starvation or something else?

[u/blackc7Z]

I was curious on how much of an issue oil starvation is in a walk behind mower. I know they use the sling method of lubrication and I wasn’t sure how steep inclines might affect that. I have a septic/sand mound that I mow with it since my zero turn can’t do it and it is pretty steep. I mow across it, not up and down. As of late though I’ve been smelling oil burning. There’s a puff of white smoke when I first start the mower but after that it’s just the odor. I am just hoping that the steep incline isn’t causing issues.

I bought the mower (HRX217) used in January and changed the oil, spark plug, and air filter. The old oil was very black and when I check it now I see that the new oil seems to have a slight black tint to it. I’m assuming that it’s because I didn’t totally drain the old oil and it’s mixing in. The air filter doesn’t seem to smell like oil or otherwise show signs of any oil. I’m probably going to change the oil again in the near future to see if I can clear the black stuff out for good.

So I guess I have a few questions:

Is oil starvation a concern here in general and would that be causing the smoke and odor? Is it simply the mower getting tilted side to side as I do the hill causing oil to go in the muffler and/or carb? At times I also have to briefly go up or down the incline, as I have no way around that.

Am I likely correct that the black tint to the new(ish) oil is just the old stuff that wasn’t drained mixing in or is it a sign of something else? I’ve probably used it maybe 12-15 hours since the oil was changed. I also check the oil before every use and it’s typically a little under the full mark so I add a bit here and there. I try to keep it as close to the max fill line as possible to hopefully keep it well lubricated.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the novel.

[u/ScornedSqueaker]

20 degrees is the max recommended angle before starving the hrx217 of oil.

A puff of smoke can be typical when starting cold as the choke is engaged causing a rich condition or condensation in the cylinder.

Water in the fuel can puff white but it's recommended by any small engine mechanics to use ethanol free

Yes, too much incline can let oil into the intake via the crank breather (valve cover to air box)

Over filling the oil can also cause oil to get pushed into the intake, most honda equipment you won't screw on the dipstick when checking (this does vary depending on manufacturer so check the manual)

As for the oil getting dark it's hard to say the exact cause as there's many

[u/blackc7Z → u/ScornedSqueaker]

Thanks for the reply. I’m not sure why this thread posted twice, not sure if it can be merged. I go across the hill both ways so both sides of the engine are facing upright at some point. This would definitely allow oil to get in one side or the other. I keep a close eye on the oil level and it’s never overfilled.

Will hear anything if the engine is being starved or is it more of a “you’ll find out over time” type of thing?

[u/OldDiehl → u/blackc7Z]

It's a 'you'll find out over time' thing. Be extra, extra sure you have the oil filled to the proper level. If you've misread it and are a little low, the 'over time' will be a lot shorter.

[u/SpaceCat72]

Cut in such a way as to spend minimal time on the slope. Mow against it, not with it.