Black Smoke on Startup
 

Ever since I got my 147 it smoked a little on startup. Only a few seconds then it cleared up. It used to be blue/gray, but recently it has been black. We changed the spark plug about a month ago, and it was smoking blue after that, but now it has been starting to smoke black again. The plug was fouled with white carbon or something on it. Is this anything to worry about? And is there anything I can do about it without rebuilding the motor?

It's not a fuel injected, EPA regulated motor. If your using the choke, it's probably just excess fuel. Maybe the carb is a bit rich even. Either way, unless it has other issues, don't worry about it.

I believe it only does it when I use the choke. I didn't think it was a problem, just making sure.

Choke cuts down on air and increases fuel. It's normal to get some black smoke from it. :RollEyes2:
Welcome to carbureted engines.

Ok. That's good to know. What would cause white buildup on the spark plug? Could it just be from an old plug, or something else?

Pic chart.

Attachment 91725

I think mine looked most like ash deposits. Is that anything to worry about?

Burning a little oil. Keep running it. It will either get better, or worse.

It does burn oil. I have to add some almost every time I use it. It's not getting better, but I don't think it is getting much worse.