Riding Mower with a Broken Push Rod, Did it Fall into the Crankcase? 

Hello and thanks for the vid. Glad the push rod was not in the crank but wonder why it happened. Often, when a rod breaks, it’s due to a slipped valve guide. Especially on a Briggs. However, this issue tightens up the valve against the rocker arm. It causes much tension. Does not make things loose. This tension has to be relieved somewhere, usually on the push rod, which is the weakest component. When the push rod breaks, much slop is created. The slop would then allow the valve cap to fall off. I couldn’t tell from your camera angle if the valve guide had slipped. If it has, you’ll soon find out as the new push rod will either bend or break. If it’s slipped, Briggs advises replacement of the entire assembly. However, as a hack, some mechanics will just peen around the edges after reseating the valve. In some cases, not all, peening has been a long term solution. I did it on my Briggs three summers ago. Engine still runs fine. Knock on wood.

Thank you so much for making this video. You really helped me out of a tight spot.

You seem like a very nice guy- keep up the good work

Hey, this is great, I’m looking at this video about the pushrod- and thought I recognized you- and sure enough I seen your mini-truck in the background!!!

Looks like the rod was made out of aluminum great thing that you got all of the rod out without taking the whole engine apart see you later young man and your family hopefully had a merry Christmas also

The intake pushrod is aluminum it will get weakened and some times cut in half where it touches the rubber guide if the oil is real dirty as the dirt in he oil is an abrasive and the pushrod rotates against that guide.Replace it with a steel rod as is used on the exhaust valve' An easy way to get the end out of the gallery is to use a stick magnet and it will pull it out as the ball on the end is steel....

Now that was an excellent fix. Now the engine sounds pretty good. Have a great 2021. Stay safe.

Good as new! Make sure you keep your key. Im thinking you can use a steel rod in place of an aluminum one. But not sure. Anyone want to chime in?

nice job, enjoying your videos and thanks

I've done a lot and I've never seen those rods break before. I would be concerned of what made it break but it seems to be running smoothly.

Over heating cause this to happen and cleaning engine is a must Once guides move they will keep moving unless you stop them

Great job it was very helpful can't wait to get to the garage and start on mine, I have a question what did you set your valve clearance on?

You remember what clearance you set the valves at for the LA125?

Turn on the FUKING lights