So I was happily mowing the lawn yesterday and then suddenly the mower makes wired clanking sound and oil is spraying everywhere. I shut it down and looked and oil is puddled around the motor although I can't really tell where it is coming from. I tried to start it again later to show the wife and it started but sounds horrible so I quickly shut it back off. Did I blow the engine or maybe just a gasket? worth fixing or am I shopping for a new mower?
Always check engine oil level before each use. Have you changed oil & filter this season? air filter? spark plugs and gaped to specs.? Do not use off-brand oil in your engine. Do not use water on engine or electrical system. I would wipe down engine with shop towels & make a visual hands on inspection of engine. If engine looks ok, nothing loose or broken, complete above tasks. Let us know what you find please. Thanks
Thanks Mark, No, I hadn't changed the oil this season. I have the Troy-Bilt oil change kit but hadn't done it yet. You think it might still be OK if I do the oil change?
#4
Carscw
Did you check the oil before you started the engine?
#5
Zap73
No, didn't check the oil. I know what I did was stupid, just wanting to know if it's recoverable or not.
Thanks Mark, No, I hadn't changed the oil this season. I have the Troy-Bilt oil change kit but hadn't done it yet. You think it might still be OK if I do the oil change?
Absolutely, air filter & spark plug also, please let us know how it goes.
#9
Zap73
Well, bad news. After cleaning it up I could see where the oil was coming from. The block has cracked. I mean really cracked. big tear near the steering gear and across the bottom all the way up the right side corner. Looks like there is now coming back from this. Looking on line the motor is $950 so might as well buy a whole new mower.
Thanks for all your help guys.
Carscw
Quote Originally Posted by Zap73 View Post
No, didn't check the oil. I know what I did was stupid, just wanting to know if it's recoverable or not.
Was not asking to make you feel stupid.
No worries Carscw, I was pretty angry and embarrassed over doing it. :/
#10
Carscw
I would look for a used mower with a bad deck or bad transaxle and use the engine.