There should be a small drain hole in one of the bottom corners. Perhaps it is plugged up.

Walt Conner

I think the hole you are referring to [bottom center back] is the one that oil is spurting out of. If oil is spurting out it can't be a drain. There is the large hole at the top center back which would appear to be the drain. Thus, the chamber would stay full to the top with oil all the time keeping the valve springs in oil.
Again, if so, how could the "breather" work.

Also, how would gas get in the crankcase?

Gas gets into the crankcase because the carb float needle is leaking and the gas is running into the cylinder and on into the crankcase. IF the crankcase is over full, of course it is going to blow out the excess. Add a gas line shut off valve and use it when the engine is not running. Replacing the carb float needle MAY work but in old engines like that, maybe not.

Trust me, that chamber DOES NOT remain full of oil when the oil level is correct And the crankcase breather is operation properly. that large hole you are talking about IS NOT a drain, it is for crankcase pressure, vacuum to move back and forth thru.

Walt conner

Thanks for that Walt. It answers a lot.
One more question: Could that small hole have the dual function of squirting oil out to lubricate the valve springs and also be a drain?

NO, things are lubed via oil vapor, that is strictly a drain, return.

Walt Conner

This post was edited by walt2002 on Fri, Apr 19, 13 at 19:52

Don't want to beat this to death Walt, but with only 2 pints of new oil in the crankcase [1 pint short], oil does spurt out of that hole when cranking it over. I guess I'll just put it back together and see what happens.

Re: the previous gas in the oil -- I'm thinking of bending the tab on the float [slightly] to put more pressure on the needle.

Time to stock up on the popcorn!

I'm a little slow and don't get: Time to stock up on the popcorn!

That's for the rest of us to snack on while you try to figure out why the engine lacks power, surges or simply won't run.

Took the carb and breather completely apart. Precise cleaning, made gaskets, etc. Runs like new [bought in 1985, $2,500].

Thanks for the help!