well that may have required a cool beverage after that experience. no good.
to try and repair the engine would more than likely be beyond my skill-set, but this winter I may attempt it when its not a 100 degrees plus in the garage. i am really showing my *** here, but i do not see the engine model # anywhere to see what the parts may set me back. see the engine serial # (GJAB-6598317) and the lawn mower serial # (MXAM-6209265), but no joy on the 4 digit engine model #. can someone give me a clue. googling says near the engine serial # , but unless it is worn off, I do not see it.
TIA