Swapping out Briggs engine.

[Chris P]

So I have a poulan pro PP19A42 with a Briggs 33R877-0009-G1. I’ve had a lot of problems with the engine over the last year. I’ve always done regular maintenance. Most recently I changed the cam shaft because the compression release broke. It was an after market one which I had only purchased because at the time OEM one’s were back ordered 10 weeks. The mower fired up after putting the new cam in. I only ran it for a minute or so.. but then when I went to start it again nothing… checked the carb for flooding. Battery is good. Took the spark plug out. Engine is not hydro locked. Oil level is perfect and new gas. I took the carb off and it’s as clean as a whistle. I even tried a second carb I had lying around… no dice. The engine will turn and little and stop. Same symptom when the first cam broke. I’m through with this engine, but the tractor is only 5 years old and in good shape. I rather do an engine swap than get a new tractor.
My real question is I saw a NEW OEM in the box 31R507-0041 17.5HP Briggs & Stratton Engine Vertical ES 1" x 3-5/32" Shaft. For really affordable price. However I’m having a lot problems finding concrete info about this engine online. According to the specs provided by the seller it should fit my mower. It seems I would just have to remove the factory exhaust and route it to my muffler. I did find some info suggesting it’s actually a 13.5 HP but seller clearly states it is 17.5. The seller BTW has a very good review rating with hundreds of reviews. Any input about this would be greatly appreciate.

Chris

 

[Rivets]

Before doing anything recheck your valve clearance. More than once I’ve found that DIY guys don’t secure the locking nut.

 

[Chris P]

Before doing anything recheck your valve clearance. More than once I’ve found that DIY guys don’t secure the locking nut.

I’ve had that valve cover off so many times. I’ve checked and rechecked.

 

[bertsmobile1]

The 31 will drop right in
You may have to tweak the muffler / exhaust pipe a little
You will probably find the 31 has the cheaper dual system alternator & no oil filter
You can swap over your current altenator & rectifier if yours is bigger and just change the oi at the end of every season.
Very few mower engines actually need a filter they are by & large a con job to fool Joe Public because the high quality engines hat did need them had them .
Lipstick on a pig I think is the term .