Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): no oil, blade area, question pool

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I work for a lawn service and get to keep truck and equipment at home. For some stupid reason I did not check oil all summer. Started hearing rattling-clanking- noise in blade area, brushed it off as blade being loose. While doing a heavily leafed area it just up and quit. Funny thing is that is when I thought of "maybe the oil?" so I checked it and it was basicly dry. After cooling off and adding some oil it fires right up and engine seems fine but when you engage the blades the clanking starts. Boss is gonna kill me. What is problem, can anything be done,how much does it cost,any temporary fix? Anyway, it is a commercial push Toro 4 stroke. Thanks, Bill

ANSWER: Hello Bill:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool and I can Only Answer Questions from the Question Pool when I am Not Answering Questions here or at the Other Site I Answer Questions at. If the Blade is Tight and Not Hitting the Deck or Baffles (Depends on the Mower Model) and the Blade Adapter is Not Damaged, then the Connecting Rod was Damaged Just Enough that when a Load is Added (Engaging the Blade or Just Cutting Grass) it will Knock/Rattle. There is No Temporary Fix. A New Crankshaft and Connecting Rod is Required. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply. Just to make sure, I want to run a couple new developments past you to see if you come up with same cause. 1) asked same question to different person on this site and he said engine is shot  2)engine leaking oil  3)some rattling when blade NOT engaged
Thanks again for your reply, Bill

ANSWER: Hello Again Bill:

As the Engine is Run, then Damaged Connecting Rod and Crankshaft will Wear Faster than Normal and the Engine will Start to Rattle More and More even with the Blade Not Engaged. Yes, the Engine is Trashed. You May be Able to Replace the Connecting Rod and Crankshaft and then the Engine will be Useable Again. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: One more question I think, I have found new exact replacement engine for $289 with "Tappered shaft". Would the "connecting rod and crankshaft" you speak of be included in this? It sounds as though the crankshaft and tappered shaft would be the same but what about connecting rod? Once again thanks for your replies, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill:

The Tappered Shaft Engine is Usually Used on Generators, Water Pumps and Other Special Application Purposes. Remove the Blade and Blade Adapter from your Engine and Make Sure you have a Tappered Shaft. If the Crankshaft is Tappered, then Depending on the Model of Both Engines, the Crankshaft May Interchange. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off Both Engines, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist you. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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