Small Engine Repair 101 Redux

Whoops! Fast forward to March 19. I'd shredded many piles of leaves and the engine was running what seemed to be very well other than burning far too much oil. I was careful to keep oil topped up.

I raked leaves from the Deer View Drive easement into a pile and was shredding that pile when BANG! and the engine slowed to a halt. I stooped to investigate what the problem might be and saw shards of case metal on the ground. The engine had thrown its rod.

So, after investing ~$110 and mucho time to get the engine running again after its sieze up, it's dead. I've ordered a short block for $270 + NC tax + S&H. I have so much invested in C/S parts and spares, I'm willing to invest more to rebuild the engine. Don't really know the cause of the rod failure and don't really care at this moment in time.