What bolts up?

[gary mopar]

I have 2 older Scag 3 wheel, front wheel drive, rear steer mowers both with 60" decks. The 1983 model is ready for engine swap. My brother-in-law always did my upkeep on these mowers. Sadly he passed. So I'm getting in do it yourself mode. I tried a shop that I didn't know , and he kept mower for several months and is bringing it back to me this Sunday , telling me it is to hard to find parts for. :ashamed: My question (at last) . Are there several types of bolt patterns on the base of the engine where it bolts down? I think if I can get it bolted down I can make brackets and such for throttle and choke . The original engine was a commercial B&S 18 hp, by 1983 terms. I want to replace with 21 hp to 23hp Vantage , or similar Kohler. I sure don't want to think of drilling holes in these museum pieces,:laughing: Please educate me. Thanks ahead of time.::smile:

 

[TheCaffeinatedOne]

I think you'll find lots of engines bolt up, but that doesn't mean they're the right engine to repower the unit with.

As an example, I blew the engine on my 20 yr old garden tractor during the winter (and I can't even blame the tractor for this one). I did some research and bought a new Briggs v-twin to replace the single cyl. Kawasaki. The fitment was perfect. I then began to learn about tractor electrics and twisted myself in knots trying to get the motor circuitry to play nicely with the Deere tractor system. I finally bypassed the entire thing and rewired the tractor by hand. Didn't expect that one. It works fine now but involved more work than this newbie thought it would.

Maybe the first thing to do is research online for a manual for the original mower, if you can find one. The next thing is to find the engine identification number for your motor, which may be stamped on the shroud. That should help you find an appropriate replacement motor; each manufacturer / dealer should be able to match numbers for you.

Briggs also has a service manual for older engines that might be useful; you may be able to find one online.