The mower started up fine, then it started to make a clattering noise, then WHACK! A piece of the connecting rod came flying out the right side of the crankcase, leaving a gaping hole.
Here's a view of the connecting rod big end piece that emerged from the engine.
For want of anything better to do, I may open up the engine for a look inside at the damage. We'll see.
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Well, I didn't open up the engine, but I did remove the cylinder head. I extracted the piston, and retrieved another piece of the connecting rod's big end. Here's what I got.
The failure is inexplicable. I'm careful about checking engine oil, and would never let an engine run out of oil. Anyway, that's the end of that engine.
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