Lawnmower hit tree root

[SJ323]

Was using my troy bilt tb200 mower today and ended up hitting a tree root. The mower turned off immediately and blew out the filter assembly. I reinstalled it and I checked to see if the blade was bent, it wasnt. However, the starter assembly seemed a bit slack since it was moving a bit with each pull. Anyway, I continued mowing. But, when I was putting the mower away, I saw that the bolt on the valve cover tore away from a metal sheet (mounting plate?) it was screwed into and split the threaded hole in half. Any advice?

 

[Rand]

picture is worth a thousand words.

 

[SJ323]

 

[Ursatdx]

Consider UOA.
Run it 'til it dies.
Spray offending root with red paint.
Avoid red root when mowing.
Steel tip boots? Just a thought.
Welcome to BITOG.

 

[Fitter30]

Need to pull the spark plug turn the blade look at the outer edge see if the shaft is bent. If bent it will have a vibration. Also possible shaft key either at blade or flywheel maybe damage.

 

[mk378]

That looks like it's always been like that, possibly put together wrong at the factory. The black part is just a sheet metal cover. The bolt actually continues past there and screws into the aluminum main part of the engine. If it's not leaking oil or making any unusual vibration or noise it should be OK to keep running.

 

[SJ323]

Consider UOA.
Run it 'til it dies.
Spray offending root with red paint.
Avoid red root when mowing.
Steel tip boots? Just a thought.
Welcome to BITOG.

Thanks. What does UOA mean by the way?

 

[SJ323]

Need to pull the spark plug turn the blade look at the outer edge see if the shaft is bent. If bent it will have a vibration. Also possible shaft key either at blade or flywheel maybe damage.

It ran fine after restarting, I didn't notice any difference. However, I could be wrong about it being bent. So, I'll check it out and see.

 

[zrxkawboy]

Thanks. What does UOA mean by the way?

used oil analysis

 

[zrxkawboy]

blew out the filter assembly.

What does this mean?

 

[SJ323]

That looks like it's always been like that, possibly put together wrong at the factory. The black part is just a sheet metal cover. The bolt actually continues past there and screws into the aluminum main part of the engine. If it's not leaking oil or making any unusual vibration or noise it should be OK to keep running.

I've never seen it look like that in my 2 years of owning it. I don't see any leaking any oil. So, I hope it's alright.

 

[SJ323]

What does this mean?

I was referring to the air filter and its cover. Those parts flew off the engine after hitting the root.

 

[Ursatdx]

It's a lawn mower. The impact of the blade hitting the root probably caused some of the external parts
to break or loosen on impact. If it still runs OK then cut away. I'd take the blade off and inspect thoroughly.
Sharpen it while it's off. Tighten up whatever is/came loose, check the oil and cut away.

 

[spasm3]

I want to see a pic of the root!

 

[blufeb95]

I don't see anything wrong, the screw only threads into the backside of the rocker housing it doesn't thread into the head or any other bracket
.

 

[97prizm]

Thanks. What does UOA mean by the way?

Used oil analysis

 

[Lubener]

I can't see how a blade impact with a tree root can damage the valve cover or the bolt.

 

[SJ323]

I can't see how a blade impact with a tree root can damage the valve cover or the bolt.

I stand corrected on that part. After looking closely at troy bilt's photos, it was built that way. That black paint is really good at hiding things.

 

[SJ323]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[02zx9r rev2]

I’ve got a Troy Bilt TB130, great little mower. At least 10 years old, starts first/second pull every spring no problem.