Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs and Stratton lawn mower, briggs and stratton, leak gas

Question
We have a 5 year old Craftsman 6.0 horsepower 21" multi-cut rotary lawn mower, model No. 917.388391. It now has an oil leak, gas leak, and decreased power. Should we just go ahead and get a new mower or try and get this fixed. I've heard repairing an oil leak is very expensive.

Answer
Hi Kelly,

A repair could cost from $50 - $100+.  The oil leak may be simple or require removal and disassembly of the engine.  You will need to weigh that cost against a new mower.  It also depends on how much use the old mower has seen and based on that and its general condition, how many more years could be expected out of it.

Good Luck,
Michael