Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S engine replacement, ohv engines, shaft diameter

Question
Thanks for the help.  I will try to find a B&S dealer/repair shop and see what I can find.  I'll keep you updated :)  


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Followup To
Question -
I have a Lawn Chief riding mower.  It currently has a B&S I/C 12 hp engine in it.  It's model # is 281707, type 0179-01, code 88040431.  This engine locked up on me, and I am looking for a replacement.

I have been searching on E-bay for a new or used engine, but I'm not finding anything with my exact model or type number.  I wouldn't mind stepping up to a bigger engine, like a 16 horse.  The question I have is what engines should I look for that are direct replacements to my current engine?

Are the engine mount bolt patterns all the same, and what about shaft diameter for the drive pullies?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Answer -
I doubt you find your exact numbers E-bay.  That eninge, at least the model, type and code numbers was specially manufactured for Lawn Chief.  A direct replacement engine will have slightly different model, type and code numbers.

As for upgrading to a larger engine, it is possible but all of the 14, 16 and 18 HP engines of that era are twin cylinder and have a different footprint...in plain English the engine will not be a direct bolt-on.  Newer over head valve (OHV) engines are able to produce more power in a smaller packege so a 16 HP OHV should direclty bolt-on to your frame.

Have you checked with your local Briggs dealer for a new engine?  They have an Engine Sales manual that contains every model number and specific characteristics like crackshaft length, diameter and mounting pattern.

Let me know what you find.
Eric

Answer
One more tip...any 12HP, or rather 28 cubic inch block as indicated by the first 2 digets in the model number will work.

Most of the time when the engine seizes it does very little damage to the crank.  A little bit of polishing or muratic acid will remove any aluminum on the steel crankshaft.  In other words, if you find a cheap 28 CI block but the crank is different, you and swap in your crank without any problems.
Hope this helps.
Eric