Craftsman 5.5 Push weedtrimmer engine swap?

[Joel.B]

A friend thinks I know how to fix stuff- so he dropped off a very neglected Craftsman rolling weed trimmer that has Craftsman 5.5 engine. The thing was filthy as can be, had milk in the crankcase, carb full of junk, valve burnt and bent......

I see many craftsman lawn mowers on craigslist for cheap with same 5.5 or larger engines....is there any reason I can't easily swap an engine from one of those mowers unto this trimmer? What do I need to look for for easiest swap?

Thanks for any help you can give

whats best thing to do with leftover parts?

 

[exotion]

A friend thinks I know how to fix stuff- so he dropped off a very neglected Craftsman rolling weed trimmer that has Craftsman 5.5 engine. The thing was filthy as can be, had milk in the crankcase, carb full of junk, valve burnt and bent......

I see many craftsman lawn mowers on craigslist for cheap with same 5.5 or larger engines....is there any reason I can't easily swap an engine from one of those mowers unto this trimmer? What do I need to look for for easiest swap?

Thanks for any help you can give

whats best thing to do with leftover parts?

See if you can get pulley off crap engine. And if you can find a similar engine the pulley assembly needs to fit the new crank shaft after that its a pretty simple swap

 

[Joel.B]

Thanks exotion

is there any database or such that shows which engines have same/similar bolt patterns? I am wondering if I have to stick with exact same engine or can I look for several options'?

 

[exotion]

Unfortunately this knowledge I do not have. I believe most b&s engines are similar bolt pattern like I said your pulley is going to be the hard part for simplicity reasons id say stick with the same engine

 

[Joel.B]

I dont suppose if anybody in here would know if the Pulley from trimmer fits on the shaft of the push mower of same make/size?

I can take pulley off and give it to the guy before he goes off hunting for the proper push-mower, but I have my doubts as to whether he will understand exactly what it is he needs to look for to insure the swap will work, and I can't do the leg-work for him.

 

[Carscw]

I dont suppose if anybody in here would know if the Pulley from trimmer fits on the shaft of the push mower of same make/size?

I can take pulley off and give it to the guy before he goes off hunting for the proper push-mower, but I have my doubts as to whether he will understand exactly what it is he needs to look for to insure the swap will work, and I can't do the leg-work for him.

It is the same engine But you want one off of a none propelled mower So you want the short shaft. But I do think the long shaft will also work

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

 

[Fish]

The crankshaft will be the main problem.

The second problem will be the flywheel.

 

[Joel.B]

The crankshaft will be the main problem.

The second problem will be the flywheel.

WOuld you mind expounding on that a bit for me? You say "will" be a problem- as in it wont work? Or??????

Would you know what work would need to be done to make it work? Is there a new "crate" engine that could be bought and installed for less than price of new trimmer?

Thanks very much again for any help on this.

 

[Fish]

The pushmower engines come with an aluminum flywheel, the blade bolted on makes up the weight difference.

You just need to find a matching cast iron flywheel....

 

[Joel.B]

The pushmower engines come with an aluminum flywheel, the blade bolted on makes up the weight difference.

You just need to find a matching cast iron flywheel....

aaah thanks Fish.. Can I simply swap iron flywheel from junk engine unto the fresher mower engine?