Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs stratton engine, synthetic engine oil, briggs stratton engine

Question
I have a 42" country clipper "0" turn mower-4 years old 430 hours. It has a
briggs-stratton engine model #31q777 type 0112e1 code 060404zd
The engine locked up-just idled down and would not move. We have removed
and disassembled. The valves and piston are free. Removing the connector
rod @ the crank there is a strip of metal from the connecting rod embeded on
the crankshaft preventing it from turning. What made this happen-how can it
be fixed and is this common on small engines or just Briggs & Stratton. If
another engine must be purchased what brand do you prefer? Thanks Johnny

Answer
Hello Jonny:

>>If the Cylinder was Not Damaged, then a New Oil Pump, Crankshaft and Connecting Rod are Required to Correct this Damage.
>>Remember to Hone/De-glaze the Cylinder even if you Do NOT Use New Rings.
>>Anytime the Piston is Removed from the Cylinder, the Cylinder MUST BE Honed/De-glazed using a Cylinder Hone that will Dull the Glass Like Surface of the Cylinder.
>>I have Not Seen or Heard of a Recall or a Notice of Any Problems with this Engine Model.
>>Low Oil Pressure is Usually the cause for the Damage that Occurred to this Engine.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers. Example: 31Q777-0112-E1. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View.
>>I Use SAE 10W30 Synthetic Engine Oil in My Equpiment, both Landscaping and Automotive.
>>The Synthetic Oil Helps give the Best Protection to the Internal
Engine Components and is Changed Less Often.
>>Most Regular Engine Oils Breakdown after about 5,000 Miles for
Automotive and 50 Operational Hours for Lawn and Garden Engines.
>>Most Synthetic Oils Breakdown after 15,000 Miles for Automotive
Engines and 100 Operational Hours in Lawn and Garden Equipment.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John