Aw nuts.. Engine pops after stall

[jnjpream]

I had tilled about 1/4 acre and and found piece of old iron and before I could react it stalled the tractor. Talking a fraction of a second. I got off, pulled the junk out of the tines, and fired it back up. After that I noticed a popping when WOT under load and hot. I was mowing the next day it seems to be lacking some power too.

What should I be looking for? Blown head gasket? I don't see any signs of burning anti-freeze. I did refuel not long before the stall too but have never had a fuel problem before. Bent valve? Worse?

Thanks

 

[jaotguy]

depending on the size of the tractor

first , check the timing with a strobe light ... if it's not right , pull the flywheel and check the "key" that locks the wheel to the crank ... it may have partially sheared ....

if timing is correct, check the compression ( low compression points to a bent con rod and retarded timing too )

very unlikely for head gasket or valve damage .....

don't overlook "bent" drive pieces putting a strain on the motor ...

 

[Baby Grand]

Once you get the engine all straightened out, go back and check your tiller's slip clutch or shear pin.
Whichever overtorque protection you have didn't do it's job.
Hope your engine issue is a minor one!