AboutEric A. Jones Expertise Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.
Experience Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.
Question I have a STX38(black deck), it had a 12.5 Kohler engine the engine dynamited while running what engines are good inexpensive replacements. Would it be worth my while to fix?
Answer Is the mower in good shape other than the engine? I ask because I have spent more money trying to fix old mowers...usually not worth fixing.
First it's the engine, then the deck (belts, blades, spindles), then the transmission. These projects can nickel and dime you beyond belief.
Have you priced a Briggs engine? Briggs are generally the least expensive engine, compared to Kohler, Kawasaki and Honda. Tecumseh engine can be found cheap as well but the company recently went out of business. Only US company left is Briggs.
I'm guessing a new engine will run at least $400-500 plus you may have to adapt you old wire harness to accept the Briggs connectors.
I would call around local shops and price engines. Often times you can get a good engine deal from Northern Tool or in December/January when everyone is trying to get rid of last years stock.
