About how often does a muffler need to be changed on a self-propelled lawn mower?

Question

White smoke is coming from the muffler and it gets extremely HOT within a matter of seconds.

Answer 1

Normally you don't need to change the muffler.  The smoke is probably too much oil.  Just check the level and if it is above the top mark, drain some and see if that fixes it.  The mufller getting hot is nothing to be worried.  All of them do that.

Answer 2

The smoke is from oil burning.  Check the oil level in the crankcase, if it is above the full mark on the dipstick drain some out.  Also check the airfilter, it may have oil on it if you have overfilled the crankcase.  If it has oil on the paper filter you will have to replace it.  Mufflers get d**n hot and quick.  They are just short of glowing hot.  That is normal.  Installing a new muffler may make it quieter for a bit but if it is in good shape it is ok.

Answer 3

I have never had to replace a muffler unless it was rusted...