Quick update....I tore down the engine this evening and the destruction was worse than what I had anticipated. The con-rod snapped around the crank journal, then busted the side of the cylinder wall. Even if I could find a machine shop that would sleeve the cylinder, the crank journal is trashed.
Regarding the oil (I changed it last year), I don't think oil starvation caused the problem because the other connecting rod (and the crank journal) were in perfect condition. If the engine was not receiving enough oil, then both connecting rods would have had visible signs of damage.
If I ever think about purchasing another B&S engine, I'll always think of this photo........its hard to see but the rod is in three pieces.
