Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): replacing tiller engine, troy bilt tiller, tecumseh engines

Question
"I want to replace the engine on my grandfathers troy bilt tiller(model# 20890) I think it's a 1969-1970? not for sure though?

The current engine is a tucmseh 6hp H-60 75500N.

My father restored most of it before he died except for the engine and it was working fine until the connecting rod broke after my nephew let it run low on oil, I was heart broken, many memories from this old machine..

I've found engines but they only have one shaft coming out of the engine this old tucumseh has two shaft's? both connect to pully's.

One shaft is the standard drive shaft the other is an extensions of the cam shaft?

I've heard of many people restoring these old tiller's and buying new engines that bolt up to the old base.

Am I missing something or do I have to find an old engine with dual shafts? or repair the broken rod and semi wore piston. I don't think I have the time to really do anything but bolt up a new engine if that it is possible.

Am I lost and confused or is ther hope of finding a new engine to bolt to my old war horse.

Thank's in advance for any help.


Answer
I have seen those old Tecumseh engines but I'm not too sure how hard it will be to find a replacement.

I too had an old Tecumseh with an output on the camshaft.  I was never able to find an entire engine but I finally found a short block to replace it.

I would recommend checking your local phone book for a Tecumseh dealer.  They should be able to tell you if you can get an engine with the camshaft configuration you need.  I'm guessing the camshaft controls the reverse on the tiller.

If you can't find an engine then you'll probably have to rebuild the one you have...hopefully the block is not cracked.

Another option could be to check Troy Bilt dealers for a retro kit that will fit your tiller.  I'm not sure if there is some kit, but I know the newer design tillers used a single shaft engine.

Let me know what you find.  We have some old stock parts and I will check if we have any engines or short blocks. I would also check E-bay, you may actually find an engine.

Let me know.
Eric