"or does anyone have any other suggestions?"

I would expect the head gasket is blown but might check that the valve cover gasket is not leaking first (it would not blow back on you thought). AND I would just buy the head gasket but you can get a head gasket kit that includes the valve cover gasket and valve seal, etc.

Walt Conner

A customer brought his ten year old C-man lawn mower out for a tune-up. Said it leaks oil. Well, yes it does--as ya sit and watch it, without it running! The sump gasket is blown. Not a hard thing to replace--but--The blade adapter must come off, and the propell pulley on the Crankshaft-and they can be a bugger to get off. So, i sold him a slightly smaller one. He's happy, and i'll try fixing the old one.
Then, i decided to try to figure out why the nice Toro Self propelled won't start. Took it apart and checked the fly key. OK, but no start. checked carb-no start. pushed it back outside. Brought in an ancient leaf blower on 4 wheels, so old it had the windup rope start-not recoil. Changed plug-got a few pops from it-outside it went. I have a lot of aluminum lawn chairs--think i'll take them apart and go to scrap yard. Found a nice big white fan in the garbage. took it home. Found one bolt missing from the stand! Runs great! Can't wait for tomorrow! Always something interesting going on!

I hate to say it but was it serviced properly? Not overfilled I hope?

No, RC, it was not over filled! I've been at this long enough to know when there is enough oil in it, and not over-filled!