You presume a lot, I am perfectly aware that JD do not make the engine, that it is built by a another party, however where I live the company that makes, assembles the product and sells it through their franchised dealer network must warrant it, warranty is 200 hrs, 2 years, however, once again where I am, a product must be good for the purpose for which it is sold and a catastrophic engine failure, not run out of oil, not dusted, not abused at 170 hours is not acceptable.
Hi, been a JD mechanical for quite a while. These Intek motors have a common problem. When the governor allows the motor to over rev, the torque of the counter balance exceeds the arm strength, destroying them and letting the balance do its damage. There is some help for this: after break in, immediately use full synthetic oil. And next- whenever you hear the motor all the sudden over rev, shut it off. I have also dropped the max operating rpm on the throttle as sometimes going down a grade will let the motor over rev. It's a decent motor, but never should have been allowed so many rpm. It was done for HP rating and or emissions. Hope the save future disasters.