Riding lawn mower engine quit - a couple questions

[dubois]

Kohler CV26S (horizontal v2 26hp). Checked for spark (good), sprayed ether (no start), removed spark plug and checked for spark (good), then I cranked it with my finger on the spark plug hole to check for compression: nothing! not even a slight air blow. Engine cranks and spins freely, it is like there is a big ass hole in the pistons or the pistons are completely disconnected. Anyway, has anybody seen anything like this before. It is bad news, isn't it?

Oh, I checked the oil and it was bone dry, that explains a lot, doesn't it.

Before I make my next move I would like to consult with the board. TIA.

[SteveJ]

Time for an S52 swap!

[roadhog0]

The bottom of the connecting rod may have come off making the pistons not move? How hard is it to spin and have you checked both cylinders for compression?

[dubois]

The bottom of the connecting rod may have come off making the pistons not move? How hard is it to spin and have you checked both cylinders for compression?

The engine spins very freely, no compression on either cylinder, the valves move, and the wood dowel that I inserted thru the spark plug hole (which is on top of the cylinder) doesn't move up or down when I crank the engine.

My guess is that something real bad happened...

[robspeed]

spark, fuel, air (compression): you need all three.

id fill it with gasoline and toss in a match, then examine the pieces for signs of failure (a great big magnet swept over the yard will help collect them up.)

[schwarz75]

Michael, try to determine what is spinning when the engine is cranked over. It may be the the crank shaft has snapped. I only mention this since a friend with an older IH had this happen on his Kohler. I hope that this is not the case.

[M3M3]

Time for an S52 swap!

although this is the off topic area, we should at least keep it remotely o2 related...no s52 swap...m10! it will fit better anyway! ;-)

sorry, this was no help to the original issue...

[KFunk]

be sure you get $75 and maybe an extended warranty here:

https://lawnmowerclass.com/

[roadhog0]

I'm feeling you either lost the bottom of both rods or your crankshaft snapped somewhere. Pull it off and open 'er up! They're dirt easy to work on and parts for all Briggs are easy to come by.

[dubois]

I'm feeling you either lost the bottom of both rods or your crankshaft snapped somewhere. Pull it off and open 'er up! They're dirt easy to work on and parts for all Briggs are easy to come by.

Yeah, I always wanted to do an engine re-build, this may be a good way to learn...