but did you confirm smooth operation of the oil pump itself?I'm 99% sure I reinstalled it, but that is a possibility. Thanks for your input!
its not uncommon after an engine failure for aluminum transfer to the pump gears and they dont turn to pump and just spin as a complete lump not pumping any oil
i see no way to avoid going back in at this point because you need to stop guessing and find out for sure whats knocking
next time buy a used mower with a bad deck and good running motor of the correct or larger hp size for $100-$150 and be done with it
repairing an engine that had a major failure is never a good idea because very often things like this happen after you have put good money into them