Hi folks - well, I don't know much about small engines, but my assumption is that my engine just blew and is a goner - but would like some backup on my plan to move on to buy a new one:
Its a 6HP Briggs & Stratton, Craftsman push mower. Today while mowing, clanking got loud and heard a crack...mower stopped...looked down...a piece of the side of the engine casing(?) had cracked off and something protruding from inside is now poking out. Blackish oil splashed around the area. There is now a hole in the side of the casing and you can see in to the motor, gears, etc. Some background: yesterday the mower locked up. I assumed it was a fuel issue so drained fuel from tank and carburator, cleaned out carb, reassembled carb, added fresh fuel, added some oil. Mower started right up after this. My assumption now looking back is that I don't know that my oil level was high enough. I only added a little yesterday and had planned to add more today and check levels. I'm starting to think I added enough yesterday to get the mower running long enough to burn through the oil I added, but then probably overheated it enough to blow the engine?
Regardless, this is a $250ish mower - am I right in assuming an engine replacement isn't worth the effort (for a consumer to hire out) and I should just plan to buy a new mower?
Any thoughts are appreciated.