2 Year Old B&S 17.5 hp Catastrophic Engine Failure

DaveTN

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Threads
16
Messages
679
This engine is in a 2 year old Troybilt basic mower. My friend was mowing with
it and suddenly loud banging noises, metal clanging on metal and then sudden
lock up. I disassembled it and found what I suspected to be the culprit. The
interior was full of disintegrated metal which is what eventually locked it up. The
problem was the Connecting Rod Cap Bolt(s) loosened up and the Rod let go
banging against the counterweight and anything else it could hit. What was left
of the Connecting Rod was dangling from the Piston. Cam, Lifters, Oil Slinger,
Push Rods OK

Diagnosis:
Catastrophic Engine Failure Due To Loose Rod Cap Bolts.
 

ILENGINE

Lawn Royalty
Joined
May 6, 2010
Threads
43
Messages
10,730
Was there any aluminum transfer to the crankshaft indicating bearing seizure prior to rod failure. I am thinking more along the line of lack of lubrication failure causing overheating of the rod which will cause the rod bolts to loose and then come apart.

If possible pictures of the carnage would be interesting to look at.
 

slomo

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Threads
78
Messages
5,084
Was it over rev'ing prior to letting go?
 
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