I just came back here to post same info. Thank you though for catching that.
I think the engine blew up today. The rpms were really high, I don't know why. I fiddled with the linkage below the carb, could manually get it to lower rpm but it wouldn't stay. I had a few minutes left to mow. Finished and drove over to the garage. Engine popped really loud, stopped and smoke came out, mostly from gas tank side. The engine spins very freely like there is no compression. Oil level to FULL. When spinning engine the pulley underneath the deck does spin as well. My guess is blown piston or valve head? Ugh.
I've got a hard decision to make. Replace engine or buy new mower.
I've nursed this 30 yr old mower along for 15 yrs. Replaced drive axle, chain roller. Steering & suspension bushings. Steering gear. Had to make or mend some worn parts. One of the front wheel axle w "control arm". Body & seat support. Made a new shifter lever. Replaced spindle.
After reading about symptoms, it's likely it's connecting rod. Seems Tecumseh has weak rods.
#12
Cusser
There are online mower parts dealers who could look up what engines would simply bolt in.
Several years ago I installed a replacement engine into my 2005 Sears Craftman LT1000, bought it online and it bolted right in. I'd been having starting/cranking issues on that original engine (even after adjusting valves, keeping battery on trickle charger), must've had an oil leak while mowing and lost the engine. A bonus is that my replacement one has a few more hp and has an real spin-on oil filter.
