Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Mower Engine Swap, kawasaki fb460v, eaglestar

Question
i just bought an eaglestar 48" walk behind. it has a Kawasaki FB460V-MS14 engine on it. for me to start the engine you have to pour gas into the carb. it is also very loud when it is running. i was wondering if i would be able to swap this engine with a kawasaki FB460V engine from a john deere riding lawn mower. the only difference in the two is that the engine on the john deere is electric start. any help would be appreciated. thanks

Answer
You will need to measure the crankshaft output on both engines.  JD often requires Kawasaki to grind the crankshaft output to JD specs; usually making the shaft smaller my a couple of millimeters so you have to go to JD if you need to order a replacement engine.

Measure the length, diameter and identify the threads and key ways.  If they are the same the engines will inter-change.

Eric