Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs & Stratton 6hp snowblower engine siezed, briggs stratton, tube plug

Question
I have a craftsman 24" snowblower with B&S 6hp engine. While using it, the oil tube plug came out without my knowledge, and the oil came out.  The engine started smoking from the hole, and when I noticed this I shut it off.  After replacing the plug the next day and filling with oil, I tried to start it. Nothing turned over, and I guess it siezed up.  What should I do? B&S engine model number 12C113-0251-E1. Craftsman blower no. 536.881550, mfg. date 9/27/04.

Answer
You can try removing the starter housing and see if you can turn the engine by hand.  If you can not turn the engine by hand the engine maybe shot.  

If you can not turn the engine by hand double check to make sure nothing external is preventing the engine from turning.  Typically we start removing external parts, flywheel, belts and other parts connected to the crankshaft.  If there is no external binding then something inside must be causing the problem.

Since the enigne is an OHV engine I would also remove the valve cover to check to see if there is a valve binding, not likely, but I'd still check.

You can download the service manual from the link below:

http://bgsengineclinic.com/brochures/276781SingleCylinderOHV.pdf

If the engine is seized I'd start pricing a new engine.  Trying to rebuild what you have can be expensive plus you may need machine shop service...cheaper, easier, and faster to replace the entire engine yourself.

Eric