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.
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.
