Rebuilding a Briggs $ Stratton Engine

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GMBoy

GMBoy

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Nov 22, 2004
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Texas
Hello all -

I am getting ready to purchase and old Mowett Mustang mini riding mower to restore and use. It has a 7 or 8 hp Briggs & Stratton engine that I am sure has not been run in decades.

Question - is it easy to rebuild these? Parts should be available once I ID what model engine it is. How much would it cost to have it rebuilt for me?

These are collectible and neat little mowers if you've ever heard of one.
 
Never know those engines are tough change the oil put some oil in the plug hole turn the engine over a few turns put the plug in and try to start it..
 
I agree with COD. But if it does need rebuilt.... Relatively easy, onec you get the crankcase cover off.If just replacing the piston and conn rod, shouldn't even have to pull the cover all the way.
 
The last time I did this it was NOT cost effective. Parts were very expensive!
Run it if it runs, or replace the engine.
 
Depending on how stock you want it you could probably move the engine covers, carb, exhaust etc to something newer while maintaining the classic look. Briggs got electronic ignition around 1980, that would be nice to have.

The old carb will have more adjustments, is worth keeping, and could be rebuilt with a $10 kit and then be E10 ready.
 
It's an easy rebuild if you have some time, tools, and mechanical ability. I'd think around $75-100 would get you just about everything you need. I'm guessing a replacement muffler, a spark plug, a new connecting rod and piston (oversize?), a new set of slightly oversize rings, and a gasket set. Get a parts list and manual from briggs and stratton's website and then search part # on ebay.
 
Thanks for all the help. The guy told me that these little mowers ran when he parked them a long time ago. He thinks just some carb work and oil and they will start up. We'll see. I did see an engine kit online for $45. I'm looking forward to the fun!
 
The valves and valve seats might need attention.

Check out your local community college small engines class. They might rebuild it for you for free, with you supplying the parts.
 
A big dude behind the controls has got to be hysterical! It's almost Cub Cadet colors too!

20071002_180156_mustang-front2.jpg


Joel
 
Originally Posted By: Johnny
You asking GMBoy? He is in the Arlington area. I will be in the Midlothian area later this summer or in October.



Actually just outside Arlington in Mansfield, which is 15 min from Midlothian via 287South. Let me know when you're here and I'll take you thru the plant!
 
Originally Posted By: JTK
A big dude behind the controls has got to be hysterical! It's almost Cub Cadet colors too!

20071002_180156_mustang-front2.jpg


Joel




That's exactly like it - but in much better condition.
 
Originally Posted By: Johnny
These little mowers ran? Does he have more than one for sale.

That would be worth a trip to Texas.

http://www.tractorbox.co.uk/forum/uploads/20071002_180156_mustang-front2.jpg



Johnny, I am getting a great deal. He is selling me TWO of them for $180. Only one still has the mower deck, but that's easy to make. I plan on this being a project for me and my son to do and then use it as it was meant-to cut grass. The other mower I figure I can get running and sell to offset the cost. There was one on ebay in rough shape that went for $225. If your are interested in the other I may let it go. I am picking them up tommorrow Saturday.
 
Well all, I picked up the little Mustangs today. Both are complete except one does not have the mower deck. No biggie, I can make one. I power washed them down and was happy to find that the guy had drained all the gas out and there was fresh (but old probably SE/SF ) oil in them! One would not start and it looks like the plug wire is broken and rusty, but plenty of compression and it turns easy. The other one - I sprayed starting fluid and BAM! fired right up! I then added gas and tried to start it again but I broke the darn recoil so I can't pull the string anymore. Just a $10 part online.

So I am happy with them and cannot wait to get started restoring them. I will only keep one of them.
 
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