Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Mower, better business burea, briggs and stratton

Question
My husband and I purchased a Craftsman self propelled lawn mower 1-28-07 from Sears.  Model # 917375511 Briggs & Strattan 6.0 Horse Power Engine with a 22 inch deck.  After only using it 2-3 times it blew a hole out the side of the engine and oil everywhere.  It was taken to a Sears repair center in Pittsburgh, PA.  They told us the warrenty would not cover it because the short block was scored due to improper lubrication.  We declined the repair because it was almost as much as the lawn mower and we refused to pay for a repair on a new mower.  We explained to Sears that my husband put oil and gas in the mower prior to using it that day and we have pictures to prove it the day we picked it up from the repair center with oil still spilling out of it.  The day my husband went to use it he had trouble starting it then it ran for a few minutes then blew out.  We have filed a complaint with Sears and after 5 months nothing has been done and we are out over $200.00 and a brand new mower.  If there is any defaults you have heard of on that model or any recommendations on who I can contact could you please let me know.  I have already filed a complaint with Sears in June and today a complaint with the Better Business Burea against Sears.  Thank you

Answer
I have not heard of any defects with that enigne...it is typically my favorite due to it's reliability.  Unfortunately, nothing against Sears, but many of the Small engine technicians are not the most qualified personnel.  I would look for a reputable dealer, preferable a Briggs and Stratton MST and have them look at the engine.  It is very easy to tell if an engine was damaged to lack of lubrication.  Briggs actually have a certification course covering this topic.

It is possible, I have seen it one time, that a rod bolt came loose and destroyed the engine.

If you still have the mower, I would recommend locating your nearest MST Briggs Dealer and have them look at the engine.  They will probable charge $20-$40 for the estimate but it is worth the second opinion.  Have you emailed Briggs and Stratton?
Let me know if this helps.
Eric