Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 1997 craftsman BS 19.5 twin turbo l.tractor, craftsman lawn tractor, oil leaks

Question
John,

Based on the following information, I would appreciate any advice that you can offer me. I live in New England, I hate raking and my yard is a little under one acre. I am trying to decide if I should buy an new lawn tractor or a used one. It would cost me close to $2000 to leave Sears with a triple bagger and new tractor. I found a 1997 craftsman with a BS 19.5 twin turbo, 6 speed, lawn tractor with the hard triple bagger/ 46 inch deck for $650. Although I have no mechanical background, it appears to be well maintained and seems to run well. The tires are in good shape and there are no rips in the seat. The only visible flaw is slight rusting under the deck(still solid). The owner claims it is from hosing the grass out after mowing. The owner has the manual and recently tuned it up, changed the oil, and replaced the belts. The owner claims he has not had any problems with it. It is garaged, and I did not notice any signs of oil leaks on the garage floor. He is selling it because he bought a newer craftsman lawn tractor with the hydrostatic/auto transmission (which was in the garage right next to the one for sale) I was told by Sears that due to the slight incline in my yard that I need a full pressure oil pump. The owner of the used tractor has a yard with much more of an incline, and reports no problems with the mower. My questions for you are: Do you know if this motor has a full pressure oil pump? Is it even necessary? Is there much of a difference between this 1997 lawn tractor and a new one? Assuming what I reported is true, is this a good deal? Any additional input and/or suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you very much. Mike

Answer
Hello Mike:

The Engine Alone is Worth the $650, if it is in Good Condition and Runs Properly. If the Mower was Well Maintained and Cared for, then that is a Good Deal. As for the Deck, I Usually Remove the Decks on my Mower for the Off Season and Clean, Primer, Repair and Repaint them to Ensure they are in Good Condition. I Always Wash the Mower when Finished for the Day so the Acid in the Grass Clipping Does Not Harm the Metal. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John