Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S replacement engine, bolt holes, rear tine

Question
QUESTION: Back again about the old snowblower engine, B&S engine model 170402 0714-01 7006251. Gas a broken connecting rod.

Yesterday I contacted one place that sells new replacement engines and they said B&S doesn't make a new engine that would be compatable with the old one, but they may be able to modify an engine if they know what it goes to. Not sure what "not compatable" means.

You suggested a B&S 7 hp ITEK engine. Should that fit ok? Would the mounting bolt holes, etc. be the same?

ANSWER: 17 cubic inch blocks are rare.  You will need to measure the mounting bolts and the crankshaft output to see which engine will fit.  You are concerned with the crankshaft length, diameter and keyways or threads cut in the end.

The link below contains all the information for available replacement engines.  Read through the manual and on page 24 you will find the Snow Series engines.

http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/2008%20Replacement%20Engine%20Spe

If you look at the engine model break out you will notice 17 cubic inch is not listed which tells you your engine was very rare but I have seen 17 cubic inch engines on some really old rear tine tillers.

Let me know if you need help with the Replacement Engine Guide link.
Eric

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

QUESTION: Back again. Seems B&S no longer makes a connecting rod for this engine. Do you know of any company that makes parts for older engines?
Do  you know if a rod from some other engine would  be compatable?

The INTEK engines you mentioned are a bit pricey, the least expensive being around $450. For a couple hundred more I could buy a new snowblower.  

Answer
I'm betting some old repair shop somewhere in the mid-west has the rod sitting on a shelf or tossed in a box of "unknown old parts".  

Have you checked or posted the part number you are looking for on any of the antique tractor or engine message boards?  Often times these message boards can help find obsolete parts.

A used engine would work as well but again it takes a lot of time to find a decent price on a used engine.  

No one else I know of makes rods for 17 cubic inch blocks.  A custom rod would be way too expensive.

As old as the machine is it might be better to just buy a new one like you mentioned.

Did you check the price of the Snow engines?
Eric