Troy Bilt - Cracked Engine Block?

I have a troy bult pony. Just went to mow and heard a loud noise, then it wouldn't start. I lifted up the top and saw this, see attached picture. Its a pretty good crack. Is this a cracked engine block? It is in the area that faces the gas tank. Is it even worth trying to fix it or do I just have to buy a new mower now? Also, I just had the transmission belt replaced because it broke, I mowed once after it was replaced and it seemed fine. Would this have anything to do with this?? I doubt it but its worth a shot to blame the repair guy. Thanks for the help, first time on here, just searched for lawn mower repair forums and found this site.

mktrout said:

I have a troy bult pony. Just went to mow and heard a loud noise, then it wouldn't start. I lifted up the top and saw this, see attached picture. Its a pretty good crack. Is this a cracked engine block? It is in the area that faces the gas tank. Is it even worth trying to fix it or do I just have to buy a new mower now? Also, I just had the transmission belt replaced because it broke, I mowed once after it was replaced and it seemed fine. Would this have anything to do with this?? I doubt it but its worth a shot to blame the repair guy. Thanks for the help, first time on here, just searched for lawn mower repair forums and found this site.

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Judging by the enclosed pics I would say it's a "blown engine" it looks like the engine alternator and mag wires are in the crack somehow, can't figure that out ..?? Sorry about your loss, maybe find a used engine on Craigs/List or Evil Bay ...you might be able to sell whats left as a "parts-mower" then find another used machine.

Looks like the counterweight came loose inside the engine. Can't blame the repair guy for that one. It just happens sometimes.

ILENGINE said:

Looks like the counterweight came loose inside the engine. Can't blame the repair guy for that one. It just happens sometimes.

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The quick brown fox has once again beaten the sleepy dog, a typical counter weight fracture.
A couple of causes for it but nothing you can do other than run the engine at twice the max speed.
Nothing you can do to repair it either apart from a new engine or short block.
If the mower itself is in good condition get a superceeded / surplus engine from one of the people who specialise in them .
If you go with the same brand engine, most will swap strait out and we are here to hold your hand all the way through.
If you can replace the belt, you have all the skills needed to repace the engine.
One of the mobs is currently doing surplus 17Hp inteks for $ 300 which would be the buy of the year.

Thanks for the help, i went out and bought a new one, a little bigger and better than this one, based on the comments that it was toast. The unit didn't owe me anything thats for sure, i bought it and a decent snowblower from a coworker moving to the south.. for $200 for both... and its lasted me two years and after I replaced the carb on the snowblower last year its still running good too... but it still sucks when it breaks. Maybe I'll just put it on craigslist for parts for $100, someone shoul buy it, the other stuff is all good.
'

Always plenty of people happy to pay good money for mowers in good condition but needing an engine.
I have actually welded up one worse that that for a charity, mainly to see if I could do it.
Would not bother doing it again as way too many unpaid hours in it.
Pop it in the for sales and make some one elses day