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Briggs

12-hp

281707-0162-01

Smokes like a freight train, use's lots of oil, no knocking.

Rings?
Valves?
Piston?
Rod?

Thanks for your help.

Sounds like it seen its better days, buy a short block or another engine. Maybe you can find a good used engine? To rebuild a small mower engine will cost as much as another engine if done right unless you own a machine shop.

I've looked around the net for a short block and didn't find one. Any idea who might have one? Thanks

You must have some B&S dealers aroud where you live. You will need to go on the net to find them. We have some mower salvage yards where I live in upper NY. If It was me I would look for a good used engine.

Working on it. Probably won't be available until I get back to work Monday night.

Short block part number for your engine is as follows.

Old number. 490450. Superseded to 496413.

Before you order any parts double check your engine numbers and have the dealer you order it from double check all numbers. Normally, this is a nonreturnable part.

Cost is approximately $275.

Your opinion please... is it better to rebuild my motor if the block is good?

The labor is free, I'd just have to buy the parts.

Thanks

That depends on a few things. Have you measured the cylinder and bearing surfaces. They may look good, but be worn. Don't forget the crank bearings, valve guides, valves, etc. After that, you will have to look at the costs of new parts and work you will have to send out, like reboring, or at least deglazing the cylinder, cutting valve seats, valves and lapping in valves. Then compare that to the cost of a short block. Remember, you do have a one year warranty on the short block. In my opinion, it the costs are within $75 of each other, I would go the short block route.