Troy tiller update on engine blow up

Is the crank in good shape. If it is, _I_ would try it.

If the case is ok and no scores on the cylinder then you are in good shape to put a new connecting rod in the thing and get a few more years on it.

Tecumseh engines are very prone to this, in fact the rule around here is never start a Tecumseh from the side only the front as it is that common to throw a rod in the things, especially in the first startup in the spring.

The part is cheap in the 15 buck range and most good shops will have them in stock. (I wonder why they are best sellers)

Where are the cheapest places to look for the rod?

Yes, as others have said, you can just replace the rod.

The likely cause of the bottom end disintegrating is from the rod seizing on its journal. It is very likely that this left some aluminum rod "welded" to the journal. (Assuming that you have an aluminum rod without a bearing insert.) It is VERY important that no aluminum be left on the journal. Your best way of ensuring that is to remove the crankshaft and spray the journal with oven cleaner (e.g., Easy Off). The oven cleaner is lye and will dissolve the aluminum without affecting the journal. Be sure that the oven cleaner is lye (sodium hydroxide) - there may be cleaners without it. For someone at your experience level, I would NOT recommend using any abrasive on the journal.

Did you mark or record the position of the piston relative to the block when you took it out? I always put them back the same way, although I don't know how important it is. Does anybody know?

Bob

I'd do it. I've done it.

Wes