Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): tecumseh 10.5 tvm 220, piston slap, main bearings

Question
i have a 10.5 hp tecumseh on a swisher trail mower. i getting a ticking noise and very low power, do i have a valve problem or do i have a rod getting ready too go? thanks in advance for your time, terry

Answer
HI TERRY

IF YOU HAVE A TICKING  NOISE  

1ST   RESET YOUR VALVE CLEARANCE  ON INLET AND EXHAUST  EXCESSIVE C/CLEARANCE WILL CAUSE LOSS OF POWER    CHECK PUSH RODS ARE STRAIGHT     

CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL  IS IT @ CORRECT LEVEL AND CLEAN,

IF YOU CON ROD BIG END  WAS READY TO GO  YOU MIGHT A LOUDISH KNOCK OR  IF A CON -ROD SMALL END HEAR A DOUBLE RAPPING SOUND, BUT COULD ALSO BE A INDICATION OF PISTON SLAP FROM WORN SKIRT
BUT CHECK VALVES 1ST  THEN COMPRESSION TEST ,

IF A CONROD WAS READY TO GO YOU WOULD HEAR AUDIBLE SOUNDS OF EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE
IE  KNOCKING  BUT WITH A MACHINE THAT HAS BEEN USED AND OVERREVVING YOU WOULD GET NO WARNING

MAIN BEARINGS USUALLY SHOW UP AS A RUMBLE AND SOUND CHANGES WITH LOAD AND OR A VIBRATION
IS USUALLY FELT


CHEERS HOPE THIS HELPS  AND DOES NOT CONFUSE ?