Replacing a Small Engine on your Engine Powered Equipment.

Replacing a Small Engine on your Engine Powered Equipment.

Should I buy new mower, or should I replace the engine? 

In this article, we'll walk you through a few steps to replace an old or damaged small engine on your power equipment.

Locate the required model numbers to identify your engine

Model, serial and spec numbers will usually help determine what type of engine you will need as a replacement. Each model of engine could have multiple variances of shaft sizes, charging circuits and so on, meaning a model number may not be enough information to determine what replacement will be needed. Being able to provide a full model and type or model and spec will help you determine what replacement will be needed. Simply locate the model, type and spec numbers that are most often stamped right on the engine itself or on a sticker on the blower housing.

Check the engine dimensions

When replacing an older engine with a newer model, the engine dimensions may change on the new series. We recommend that you check the dimensions of the new engine, if there was a limited amount of room around your old engine, to make sure the new engine will fit in.

Measure the shaft

As previously stated, there can be a huge variance of shaft sizes. The quickest and easiest way to determine what shaft you will need, will be to measure the shaft length and diameter from your current engine.  

Check the mounting pattern 

Although the brand may be the same, the mounting pattern can change as the Series changes. It is always best to confirm whether the mounting pattern has remained the same, prior to purchasing a replacement. If the mounting pattern has changed, you may need to drill a new set of holes. 

Is it worth the cost

If your replacing an old engine on a rusted out piece of power equipment, then it maybe worthwhile saving yourself the hassle by replacing the entire piece of equipment.                                                                                                            On the other hand, buying a new ride on mower or generator every time the engine fails will put a serious dent in your wallet. Engine failure can happen for a number of reasons, but the important thing to know is that you do not have to replace the entire piece of equipment just because the engine failed. You can save a heap of money by simply replacing the engine. 

Provided you have the right information, replacing the engine on your power equipment can be a fairly easy and straight-forward practice. 

1 comment

Please advise me of options of a replacement of a Briggs and Stratton model 287797 type 1224-E1 code 980622ZE. I would prefer to steer away from Briggs and Stratton if possible thanks

Samuel Higgins,

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