My 3 year old little TM died on me yesterday, part way through a job. Not the whole TM, but the main part, the Engine. I knew it was getting low on oil and I was going to get some on the way back home, but after thinking about what caused the disaster, had I had my wits more about me it could have been avoided. I parked up outside the house, which was on a steep hill. I opted for facing uphill, so that the TM faced away from the property. This most likely meant that the lowish oil in the sump was drawn by gravity away from the internal strainer and the engine working parts were starved of it. I dont know the full extent of internal damage, but it is obviously very bad. The local Briggs & Stratton service centre suggests broken Con Rods and Cam Shaft. Weighing up my options, it became clear that the best answer was to go straight for a new full engine, which is going to set me back around £1400 with me fitting it myself. This one will be the most pampered engines ever, but it should so easily have been avoided. Dont you, put things off because you are too busy. Pay attention to the basics.
Dave