Problem with old MTD Lawnflite

[Mez]

Hello, I'm hoping someone may be able to help me. My husband has an MTD Lawnflite 12.5/38 manufactured on 30 June 1987. Number on it is 137-667-611 / F307H, and there's another number which we're not sure what it refers to (on a sticker): 91-004-5418.
The problem is he thinks it needs a new carburettor (or at least a kit) as it won't run. It has a B&S Magnetron 12.5bp I/C Twin (cast iron bore) engine but we can't see a serial number plate anywhere on it. So it's tricky to find the correct carburettor for it.
Would anyone have any ideas as to how we can find what engine this is and a parts diagram with product numbers please? He really wants to get it running and would hate to scrap it.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Auto Doc's]

The starter head or top cover on the engine has a series of numbers stamped in it (model, type, serial) and these will be the numbers needed to search for the engine related parts.

The other numbers you provided are for looking up the chassis parts.

Hopefully the top cover has not been changed out through the years, but the number are likely still close enough.

Parts Tree is a good source, or Jack's small engine.

At this age, it may need a replacement carburetor because the throttle shaft will be worn and flopping.

Here is an example of the chassis, but is does not provide only the engine parts:

PartsTree - Home of OEM Parts for Outdoor Power Equipment

Parts lookup and repair parts diagrams for outdoor equipment like Toro mowers, Cub Cadet tractors, Husqvarna chainsaws, Echo trimmers, Briggs engines, etc.

www.partstree.com

 

[Mez]

Thank you for your answer. Your comment about the serial no etc for the engine made sense but unfortunately we can't find them anywhere. I think we may just have to try getting a cheap carb for 12.5 hp and seeing big we can get it to fit :-(
Thanks for the speedy response.

 

[Auto Doc's]

The numbers on the cover should be stamped just above the flat cylinder head if it is the original engine. If the engine has been upgraded to a newer style with a tin valve cover on it, the numbers will be stamped into the valve cover.

Does your engine have the long body carburetor, or a short style?

A picture of your engine would be helpful.

 

[ILENGINE]

Picture of engine and carb would help. Original post makes it sound like an older Briggs opposed twin. So the carb kit choice would be mainly 3 or 4 bolt carb mounted fuel pump.