Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh H50 (stopped suddenly, wont start), compression gauge, fly wheel

Question
Hi John, Im back again for more of your wisdom. :)
I have a Troy built chipper/vac with a Tecumseh engine.  Here is the serial number information: H50 65582V (B) 3263D

The chipper stopped suddenly as it was running full throttle. I thought it was out of gas but that was not the problem.

When I say it stopped, there was no out of the ordinary noise, just sorta wound down.  That takes a while with the shredder fly wheel attached.  I thought it seemed to spin a LOT longer then normal when it shut down.

Now it turns over easily but will not start, will not even sputter with ether,  and ive got lots of spark.

I do not have a compression gauge but with my finger over the spark plug hole, I feel absolutely NO compression. If it threw a rod I would have thought i would have heard something.

I feel im about to embark on my greatest small engine repair adventure. How deep do you think I will have to go?

Thanks for your advice.
Rick.

Answer
Hi Rick:

A Tecumseh is Known for Breaking Connecting Rods. From your Description, it Sounds like the Connecting Rod has Broken. A Connecting Rod Break Does Not Always Make a Noise. Depending on the Location of the Piston when the Rod Fails will Determine wether the Rod Punches a Hole in the Block, Breaks the Cam or Just Quietly Breaks as your Apparently has Done. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model and Specification Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John