Crow Horse 8 #1 Posted November 3, 2013 (edited) While doing a final mow the old girl began to sound like it was under load and going to stall. It finally did and wouldn't restart. It sounds like there is no compression (maybe a broken rod?). The starter will spin the motor easily with no unusual sounds other than it spiuns a lot faster. Does this sound like a broken rod or other? I haven't had the chance to get into it as it took me a good part of the afternoon trying to tow it myself back to the house....Any ideas? Edited November 3, 2013 by Crow Horse Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,902 #2 Posted November 3, 2013 Sounds like it or the rod cap came off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyJam 516 #3 Posted November 3, 2013 Oh No!!!! Doesn't sound good! I hope not that you threw a rod! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crow Horse 8 #4 Posted November 4, 2013 Rod cap coming off? Is this a common issue? What might be my options? Best case scenario and worst? I don't know anything about these motors but it looks like I'll be learning a lot shortly...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbartlett1958 96 #5 Posted November 4, 2013 Rod cap coming off? Is this a common issue? What might be my options? Best case scenario and worst? I don't know anything about these motors but it looks like I'll be learning a lot shortly...... Crow, The connecting rod cap doesn't "come off" so to speak. Should this be the case it is not good news, as you will need new parts to get going again. Not a simple case of "putting the cap back on". Start with basics like checking oil level, pull the spark plug and crank it over while holding your hand over the plug hole, etc. This will tell you if things are still connected inside or not. Could be as valve stuck open, but unlikely. Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #6 Posted November 4, 2013 Sounds like a broken rod to me, Time to pull it down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,902 #7 Posted November 4, 2013 I've heard of the caps loosening up a lot lately. Usually tears up the crank. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #8 Posted November 5, 2013 Sounds like a broken rod to me. I have seen 2 K181's and one M8 with broken rods, all 3 were run low on oil. And all 3 punched a hole pr at least cracked the block, have a good look at the block behind the starter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjsdad 18 #9 Posted November 25, 2013 (edited) I let my K181 get low on oil when it was new to me. It too sounded like it was under heavy load before the rod seized/welded itself to the crankshaft and broke. I put a new/used piston and rod in it but didn't realize the camshaft had been cracked by the broken rod. If yours is broken be sure to check everything very closely before putting it back together. Edited November 25, 2013 by cjsdad Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
