Hi. I have a lawnmower with a Tecumseh 4-cycle vertical crankshaft. After shutting it down due to excess smoke, I discovered that the oil level was almost double what it should have been, resulting in oil in the air cleaner. Can I get away with simply replacing the air filter, and of course drain/refill oil to correct level? Or will this approach likely cost me more in the long run? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Just replace the air filter and change the oil with the correct amount.

it may smoke alittle at first, but should clear up.

Chuck

Thanks. I'll give it a shot.

Jim, the last poster is correct, but one more thing - if you haven't changed it yet, smell the oil for fuel. Or, dip a screwdriver in it and try to light it on the screwdriver. If it lights easily, there's fuel in it. A troublesome carb. may have overlowed, leaking fuel into the engine resulting in the overfilled condition. We see this all the time, and dirt in the fuel system is usually the culprit.