Comments on: Craftsman lawn mower with blown valve seat. Repair shop states engine needs to be replaced.?

By: bbking48507

bbking48507 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:34:19 +0000

I just picked up a simplicity riding lawnmower with a 14 hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine that had the valve seat fall out of the head. After pulling the head off, there was no damage to the piston or cylinder. I picked up a used head for $60 plus a head gasket and put it back together and runs like a champ. Unless there was collateral damage from the seat falling out causing the valve to contact the piston, I don't see why the entire engine would need to be replaced. But, I can't see the engine so I can't know all the details. Ask them if the can just replace the head or if the piston needs to be replaced as well. Also, how old is the mower and is it worth fixing the old engine or just replacing it?

By: vrrJT3

vrrJT3 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:34:19 +0000

You'll end up paying much more in parts and labor to re-build the lawn mower engine than to just buy a new engine, or mower for that matter.

By: 101

101 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:34:19 +0000

yes, buy a new engine or mower.

By: Boatman

Boatman — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:34:19 +0000

Is it a tractor or push mower? If it's a larger engine, with overhead valves, it's probably worth repairing. If it's an L-head push mower, the seat is in the block. Short block it or just buy a new mower. It's worth doing yourself, but not paying $50-$60 per hour for it.