I found out last year that my mower, a 25 yr old Toro Timecutter 16-44, had a seized engine after having it hauled away for a service. It stopped working and after getting the estimated, I decided to try to repair it myself. Well you know how winter projects go, its now spring and I'm in a bind (pun not intended):sidelaugh. At the time Northern Tool had a replacement engine, but now they appear to be all out. It's a Briggs (31177) 31R977-0027-G1, 17HP engine.
It's been in the garage all winter, should I try to pull the engine and try some penetrating oil as I've read in various places or just get a replacement? Northern at the time had an engine for about $500 which seem fair since Briggs wanted about $1200. Also aren't there also Chinese made replacements for a lot of engines. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated. I've been holding off on the Spring fertilizing as I'm not looking to stimulate growth till I get the mower fixed.
It's been in the garage all winter, should I try to pull the engine and try some penetrating oil as I've read in various places or just get a replacement? Northern at the time had an engine for about $500 which seem fair since Briggs wanted about $1200. Also aren't there also Chinese made replacements for a lot of engines. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated. I've been holding off on the Spring fertilizing as I'm not looking to stimulate growth till I get the mower fixed.