Possible seized mower engine (how screwed am I?)

All hell broke loose?
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What does that mean? Engine was still running?

Unfortunately, that does in fact sound like all hell breaking loose along with a rod.

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You’re looking at motor replacement.

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That's what I figured.

Have you looked at the oil?

What would cause gas to get into the oil?

I ask because this morning I had to purchase a new Kawasaki engine for my skag. Trying to understand if I did anything to cause it. The engine was 2012 and was perfect up until this year. My oil looked black and watery I noticed.

Also, when did the costs of mowers triple? I just priced a new equivalent skag and it is more than twice the price I paid in 2012. I figured it would be bad but was not expecting 15k for a law mower. Engine was 2100 with 300 bucks to put it on so I feel fortunate I guess.

Thanks for any input on what may have caused the issue.

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What would cause gas to get into the oil?

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A leaking float needle/seat in the carburetor will cause gas to leak into the oil. My riding mower had a leaking needle/seat and the leaking gas hydro locked the engine. It was fine after I removed the spark plug to get the gas out of the cylinder and changed the oil. A $5 fuel shut off valve is a good idea if you remember to shut off the fuel when the mower is stored.