Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Older snapper engine rplacement, briggs and straton, hp briggs

Question
I have an older snapper around 1979 with a 3.5 hp briggs and straton and would like to replace the engine.. The lawnmower model # is V212P.. Is there a generic engine I can buy from harbor freight or somewhere else that has the same bolt pattern and key way configuration that I can buy without spending a fortune.. I don't care if it has the upward pull starter or not.. just something that will bolt on to the existing mower.. The model # of the engine is 92908 which I cannot find anywhere... Thanks, Mitch

Answer
Most Snappers use a stadard crackshaft, common on many quality mowers.

The 92908 was a very common 9 cubic inch block.

Most 21 inch cut Snappers use a 7/8" diameter x 3-5/32" long keyed shaft Drilled & Tapped 3/8-24.

All you have to do is measure the cranshaft output on your old engine...the mounting points are pretty much all the same.  Some of the 19 inch Snappers had a different shaft and there are some 1 inch shafts on commercial Snappers.  For the most part the 7/8 inch is standard.

The V deck mowers are highly desirable with many commercial mowing service because they bag really well.

The mower, unless it is in terrible shape, is worth installing a new engine.  

Eric