Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Carter GoCart Engine, briggs and stratton, robin subaru

Question
QUESTION: I guess I need a new engine for my 10yr olds go cart, With the numbers below can you send me in the right direction?  Model #2776-3015     Serial #248646        I would rather not deal with Carter directly as that usually gets me nowhere, However I really need to make sure I get the right one. Thank you in advance for your time.

ANSWER: What I really need is the make of the engine and the model and type or spec numbers off the engine.  The make, probably Tecumseh or Briggs and Stratton, should be pretty easy to see.  The model and type may be a little tougher to find.  Usually they'll either be on a plate or sticker on the flywheel shroud or on the side of the engine block.  They may also be stamped into the sheet metal of the flywheel shroud, probably on the top.

What's the present engine doing that makes you think it needs to be swapped out?  It also may be a good bit cheaper to just purchase a short block.  This lets you re-use the flywheel, ignition, fuel supply and other parts of your existing engine and can save a bit of money.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wow! That was a quick response, I learned the case is cracked soo.. whole engine right? I'm sorry I don't know what I'm talking about very much but with your help I think we can figure out what I need.  The engine is a Tecumseh  OH195EP   spec 71813B.    Thank you again.

Answer
Probably you'd be best replacing the entire engine.  Tecumseh is no longer producing engines, they stopped the end of 2008.  You can still buy one for your Kart, but you'll have to decide if you want to go with an engine that's no longer being produced.  Myself, I'd go with something different.  I'd probably go with a Robin-Subaru, a Briggs or something else. But there may be a little extra work in doing so.  

If you want to stick with Tecumseh, you'll spend from $250-320 on one.  That's about the same range for a Subaru, Briggs or LCT.  I can't give you an exact price as that would take a call to the distributor.  You might find one on e-Bay, I know there are a lot of them floating around.