QuestionThis engine has 1600 hours and is on an Exmark Laser Z. I use it only for residential, my own property. The main seal blew out when the engine backfired and then ran low of oil. I tapped the seal back into place and refilled with oil to find the engine would run but was low on power. After some web surfing, I took the plugs out and found one piston not moving. I drained the oil and found some aluminum fragments in the oil. I suspect a connecting rod failure. Is this engine worth repairing? A local small engine guy told me "no". I took small engine repair in high school, but that was 30 years ago. A new engine is almost $2K. I haven't priced parts yet, but I don't want to go down a dead end. How big a job is it to make these repairs and what are the chances of success? Special tools needed? Manual? Just looking for your opinion. I read another post where a guy replaced his connecting rod and it broke again before he finished mowing his yard. This gave me less confidence.
AnswerHi Tim,
It sounds like the local small engine mechanic, is fairly correct in his
advice. The engine is going to have to be more or less rebuilt, and all the moving
parts checked to see if they are adjusted to specifications.
This is very technical work, and you will need to know many of the correct adjustments (and tricks).
Although a new engine is going to run you $2,000, it would be a better investment (from my
perspective).
Once an engine has a malfunction of this degree, it needs to be replaced.
Good luck,
Howard
Ps. Yes there are many many tools required, and all of them are highly specialized.
