Only Cub Cadets - Cub Cadet 2550 Valve Cover

I picked up a nice 2550 in Oct 23. Mowed a couple of times the rest of the year.

Early spring it received an oil and filter change, blades sharpened, lots of grease where i needed it etc. Used it lots in 2024. Discovered the oil filler cap was damaged mid July 2024 (one "wing" was broken and the cap would not tighten Suspect a relative borrowed it and damaged it. Could not find the missing or broken off part) Replaced that housing with OEM part, changed oil and filter and it worked as it had in the past for the remainder of 2024.

So,,,,April 2025 rolls around. Fired it and the 1811 up for first time. Letting them warm up so I could change oil and filter etc. 2550 had been running about 3-5 minutes when I heard a seriously loud BANG. Turned around to to see smoke coming off of the left front of the motor. Killed the motor and raised the hood.

I found oil pouring off of the left front side of the motor to find a 1" sized triangle hole in the Valve Cover-Fuel Pump (PN 24 559 10-S) and the Dip stick was blown out and had cracked its cover.

Next weekend I will replace the damaged parts and change the oil and filter.

I'm hoping some of the more knowledgeable mechanics here might chime in with what else I need to look for, and need I need to check etc. before the weekend.

I will follow up with photos tomorrow.

Regards,
Chuck