Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): replacement engine, cubic inch displacement, crankshaft size

Question
looking for a replacement engine for a craftsman model# 917.270810. The engine on it is a B&S 19.5 Hp. Model# 42E707 Type 2631 E1 Code 9809285B. I would like for the replacement to have a oil pump. The engine I have now has a slinger. I mow on a steep slope. The replacement doesn't have to be a B&S. I would like to know a couple of models and brands you would recommend.                    Thanks in advance.

Answer
Jonathan:

This is a tough one to replace without lots of modification.  The engine you currently have in your tractor now is no longer manufactured by Briggs and Stratton and parts are even getting hard to find.

I'm sure you could find an engine to "bolt in" that has the proper crankshaft size, but you need to look at muffler configuration and air flow into the tractor.  You also need to look at the wiring harness, alternator, charging system, etc...

Since the engine is "air cooled" it is important that the size of the engine receive the proper amount of air flow.  This is why there are most likely louvers on the hood of your tractor and a plastic deflector bolted onto the top of your engine. This has been calculated for your current engine configuration based on its Cubic inch displacement.

one way to get around this is to simply leave the hood off if this doesn't bother you when replacing the engine.  Its VERY important to get the exhaust outside from under the hood of your tractor..  If you fail to do this your replacement engine will overheat from re circulated exhaust gases.

As far as an oil pump goes, you need to look closely at terms such as pressurized filtration, vs pressurized lubrication.  Pressurized filtration merely filters the oil through a screen, while pressurized lubrication actually pumps the oil to the main parts of the engine.  You want pressurized lubrication!

Now this all being said,  My recommendation is to repair your engine with a shortblock.  I believe the shortblock comes with a oil pump, but check to make double sure.

In addition to the Twin Cylinder engines, There are some single cylinder engines out there by Briggs and Stratton that will work too, but as i said you will have to do some retrofitting as everything now has Overhead Valve technology.  You should be looking for an engine that is a Briggs and Stratton INTEK.

Look at some engine places such as www.smallenginewarehouse.com, Harbor freight, etc..

I hope I have answered your questions clearly, if not please send me a followup message.  Feedback is appreciated!

Dave R