Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick Steinkamp
Wouldn't a broken rod continue to make noise as the engine was run?
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Once the interfering parts are pounded up and away from the rotating crank there will be no more noise. It depends on where the break occurs. Typically the piston is shoved up into the top of the cylinder.
I sure hope this is not the case, but OP description of "the engine made a sudden loud "clack", followed by severe knocking/banging. The sound eased up pretty quick, and the engine kept running" describes a typical rod separation.
Could be flywheel or clutch but that wouldn't explain the front cylinders not responding. Flathead motors can't drop a valve into the piston either, so that is out unless this is a OHV motor, OP didn't mention that.
I wish the best of luck to the OP here, take the time to properly diagnose and let us know what happened.
John