Other Considerations

Okay, now that we've covered most of the major factors, we still need to touch base on a few more things of potential importance.

Mounting Holes, Flanges and Bolt-On Accessories

One of the things you need to keep in mind is that as long as you stay within the same size range and brand of engine, you will seldom run across any type of mounting problems. However, once you make the move to switch brands or go up in horsepower ratings, you will definitely have to take a close look at the sizes of engine mounting flanges and accessory bosses. While we haven't included this type of info directly in the database, you can normally get the info you need by comparing line drawings.

Typically, engine mounting holes are measured from "center to center", one hole to the bolt hole on the opposite side. Horizontal shaft engine mounts are measured "center to center" on both the short and long side of the engine block. This will all become clearer once you start comparing line drawings.

Last on the list, if you have any type of accessory that needs to be mounted to the side cover or oil sump of an engine, it is crucial that you compare those specifications with the potential replacement engine.

Engine Controls

Considering the similarity between the various engine designs, for many applications engine controls are not a big factor. On the other side of that coin, an engine equipped with a manual friction type control isn't much good for use with an application that requires a remote throttle or choke control and if you have an electric start engine running stationery equipment on the back of your work truck, that panel mounted ignition switch and friction control, could be just what you need.

In the engine database we've included notes on the various types of controls as they apply to each engine and most are self explanatory. In the Briggs & Stratton section however, you will find somewhat cryptic terms used to describe the type of controls used on a given engine. Below we've provided an explanation their meanings:

Take note that the controls on some engines are designed for multi-purpose use. It's not uncommon to see a listing such as R/MF/AG which means it can be used in any of the three different methods.

Just be sure that you take the time to inspect your old engine and be aware of any special controls required for the engine and then compare that to the info provided in the database. Easy enough.

Air Filters

Although this area may seem pretty straight forward, you do need to be aware of a couple of potential issues. First of all, most of the engines designed for use on snow or winter type applications, will not have an air filter and it can be difficult (if not impossible) to adapt a suitable filter assembly using components from another engine.

The next thing to be aware of is that on some engines (vertical shaft Kohler models as an example), there can be differences in the way the air filter is mounted in comparison to the muffler.

	Perhaps the best way to fully explain this is with an example... In the images shown at left, take notice of how the canister style muffler on the right, would not fit with the air filter setup shown on the left.
The good news in this situation is that if you are replacing one style with a comparable size version of the other, you can swap out the air entire air filter assembly and/or muffler combination if needed. That is of course, if you have access to both engines.
Commercial Canister Filters Several of the manufacturers are now offering the massive commercial canister type filters as are shown to the right. Depending on the manufacturer, they are available for both horizontal and vertical shaft models. In either case, consideration should be given to the extra space requirements.

An Ending Note

Thank you for visiting our web site and investing the time required to work your way through our repowering guide. We've covered a lot of ground and hopefully, provided you with enough information that will make your project as easy as possible. Most of the details provided in the guide are based on the exact same info that we give over the phone, literally many hundreds of times every week and the database contains the same info we use to make our recommendations.

We hope that our repower guide and database application provides you with the information and confidence required to make a good engine selection and we certainly hope that you decide to become our customer as a result.

As always, if you still need help, we are just one free phone call away at 800-501-8061 and we will be glad to assist you. Speaking of which, it's time to run and catch the phone...