Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine swap., craftsman lawn mower, drive pulley

Question
Marc.

I picked up a used craftsman lawn-mower. it does not run. It has a Tecumseh engine. I also have an old Murray mower with a Tecumseh. I want to swap engines because the craftsman is a better mower. The problem I am having is the drive belt on the craftsman. How do i get the cover off to get to the belt pulley. The Murray has a side drive pulley system and the craftsman has the drive belt underneath. Also Do i have to swap the bottom part that bolts to the deck? Any help would be great.

Thank you
Tom

Answer
If the crankshafts are different, you may as well stop now.  If you cannot install the drive pulley from the Murray onto the Craftsman engine, you cannot do the swap.  You will have to check this out.  As for the crankcase half, the bolt patterns for mounting should be the same.  I don't know the Craftsman setup intimately, so all I can suggest is looking for the attachment bolts for the cover to remove it.  If there are none and the cover is plastic, it likely snaps into place and unsnaps off.  I recommend, if you run into big problems, to consult with a good shop to help you.  Hope this helps.