Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Fixing a Locked Up Engine, craftsman lt1000 lawn tractor, briggs and stratton

Question
I fix lawn tractors on the side and I recently received a 2001 Craftsman LT1000 Lawn Tractor for free. It has a 19.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Twin Cylinder. The previous owner says he was mowing and he thought he hit a rock, then the engine immediately died and oil started leaking out. The engine is now locked up. Is this engine fixable, or can I replace the engine with another of my project lawn tractor engines??

Answer
Hello Cameron:

From your Description, it Sounds like the Connecting Rod has Broken and is Stopping the Crankshaft from Turning. I Suggest you Replace the Engine with Another Project Engine and Make this a Project Engine for Later. You May be Able to Rebuild the Engine if the Connecting Rod Did Not Damage the Block Internally. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John