Helping a Vet out!

[MrYoda]

Howdy all, this is my first post on here so please be kind!

My buddy is an army vet and let me know that he was having issues with his Kawasaki 24.0 726cc riding mower so I offered to help out. (There's a label at the bottom that says kaxs.726n4ca, don't know if that's helpful) he said that: "black smoke came out of the engine after a loud boom. Then it sounded like keys rattling around inside so we shut it down" and that's all I got so far. I haven't started it up or really messed around with it, do yall have any idea what might be the problem? Any suggestions are highly appreciated!

 

[Scrubcadet10]

First i would check the oil see if it's Low or if it's over full and smells like gasoline or is thinned out.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Do not attempt to start the engine or even crank it with the starter.
After checking the above.
Remove both spark plugs then attempt to turn over the engine by manually rotating the debris screen
You should feel a little resistance as the valves open & close.
Stick a pencil down the plug holes and feel for the piston moving back & forth.
If he has just dropped a con rod or push rod then the engine may be repairable
Check all around the crankcase with a strong flash light looking for cracks or holes punched out.
If these are found then it will probably be new engine time

 

[MrYoda]

thanks @Scrubcadet10 & @bertsmobile1 I'll try those tips this weekend and report back! (seriously, mad thanks!)

 

[StarTech]

There should be a decal with something like FR691V-AS00 or similar.