Snapper motor replacement

[kenbob]

I have a snapper rider 26" cut, the type with gas tank mounted right behind the seat. It came with a 12.5 intek motor which is shot. Doesn't seem like that motor is availible. There is a 10hp no electric start which I know will fit . Prefer electric start but those motors are all more hp. Don't really want to send for a motor to find it won't fit. Has anybody done this switch. Interested to see what motor you used.

 

[NormanSavesTractors]

I have re-powered many vertical shaft riding mowers. Most vertical shaft engines will fit the bolt pattern. Just measure the PTO shaft width and make sure new engine has same shaft width, Length and Keyway for your pulley (Most will), and it's an easy swap. Some basic wiring knowledge will come in handy to wire the new engine.

I have re-powered these types of machines with Harbor Freight Engines, Kohler Courage, Commands.

Not hard. You can do it!

 

[kenbob]

I have that part figured out ok. It is the physical size of the engine that worries me as that 12.5 is a tight fit.

 

[NormanSavesTractors]

Oh is this a rear engine rider? You can MAKE anything fit, with some creativity.

 

[kenbob]

3 sides are good. I guess I could buy one with a mounted gas tank and cut the bracket for the old one away. That is the only clearance problem.

 

[NormanSavesTractors]

Want to post a picture of what you're working with? We can help you brainstorm.

 

[kenbob]

This isnt mine but just like mine. The gas tank fits in a bracket by friction fit. Bracket is pretty much up against the airfilter on the 12.5 intek. I can find shaft and bolt hole demensions. but the physical size is what worries me. IF I turn the motor 90degrees I wouldhave to totally redo the throttle and choke.

 

[Phil B.]

That looks like it would be easy to retrofit a motor on it. I love saving old stuff like that mower.
Not sure of yer PTO dimensions, but this might fit:

Engine

 

[kenbob]

That looks like it would be easy to retrofit a motor on it. I love saving old stuff like that mower.
Not sure of yer PTO dimensions, but this might fit:

Engine

Thanks. I could not find one, but that is the one I need.

 

[NormanSavesTractors]

That 12.5 intek is pretty common. Keep an eye out on facebook marketplace.

 

[T.R.K.]

I am sure I have seen a Snapper R.E.Rider with a later overhead valve engine. it used a muffler that fit on the back of the engine rather than a muffler with exhaust pipe that wrapped around from the front,, under the carburetor like the old engines had. I don't remember if it still had the 'stands' for tipping on the mower's back, still on the back or not, though.

 

[Blackhole49]

I am sure I have seen a Snapper R.E.Rider with a later overhead valve engine. it used a muffler that fit on the back of the engine rather than a muffler with exhaust pipe that wrapped around from the front,, under the carburetor like the old engines had. I don't remember if it still had the 'stands' for tipping on the mower's back, still on the back or not, though.

Our neighbor had one he stood up when done mowing back in the late 60's (?). I now wonder how the oil stayed in the engine.

 

[kenbob]

YEs it was acceptable to store them that way. If they had a battery you needed to remove that. Had to let it set a few minutes before starting so the oil could get back to where it needed to be. Such a simple design, and still superior to anything else for bagging if you have the high lift deck. If you had the open deck it was superior to almost anything else for cutting tall grass. Only 3 real wear parts. Axles that could wear if you didn;'t keep them oiled (one side) and grease (other side) and the friction disk that would wear out every 3 year or so. THe disks are still availible for about 30 bucks and it is about 1/2 hr top change it. And yet, they quit making it.

 

[Rodney51Cub]

Post model and serial number of engine. I can see what a direct Briggs replacement is if they offer one.

 

[Don B.]

Our neighbor had one he stood up when done mowing back in the late 60's (?). I now wonder how the oil stayed in the engine.

That was a feature of all of those rear engine snappers they had a big bumper of sorts exactly for standing on end