Craftsman motor replacement?

[bkenobi]

My Craftsman DLT LT1000 tractor (917.272201) had just gotten up and running after fixing the sloppy steering when, on it's maiden test drive, the motor let go. I don't know the extent but suffice to say I don't think its worth rebuilding. I specifically picked this tractor because of the B&S Opposed Twin engine it had based on talking to a couple mechanics and reading lots of comments about how reliable it was and was so strong it was the go-to for some tractor racing people. In my experience it was strong until it popped. FWIW, this tractor started with some kind of V-Twin based on the manual but had an Opposed Twin on it when I picked it up.

So, I'm wondering what the options for this unit would be. If I can find a donor tractor with a good motor or just a straight used one, what should I look for in order to make sure it will fit with minimal changes? I know Electrolux made these super modular since the same frame seemed to hold every kind of power plant out there (B&S, Kohler, etc... single cylinder, opposed twin, v-twin, etc). For power, I want to make sure it wont get bogged down and I'm not going back to the B&S single cylinder that always blows the head gasket after a few years. Or, is it better to try fitting a Predator vertical shaft on there?

I'm hoping to get some guidance on what are good options as well as what to avoid. Thanks in advance!

 

[RandyT]

According to the owners manual for that mower is it came with a Briggs 445777-0129-E1 V-twin OHV engine

 

[bkenobi]

Yes that is correct. At some point before i got it the motor was swapped to the opposed twin. So i know it is possible to run with those 2 motors. Just not sure whats involved in changing to another type. The factory seems to have put all kinds on the frame though.

 

[bkenobi]

Since the crank case cover plate is cracked down the center, I'm assuming that either it had a mechanical impact or there was a lot of pressure. There is a vent on this model so unless it got blocked somehow I assume it wasn't pressure. The ticking just before it let go says all I need to know I think. I guess I'll pull the engine and look how bad the grenade went off but can't imagine there's much to work with.

 

[bkenobi]

The motor that is on my tractor currently (in pieces) is a 20HP 461707-0145-E3. I found a 19.5HP B&S opposed twin 42E707-2631-E3 at the mower graveyard that looked in really good shape. I had the mechanic turn it over and while it didn't seem to have spark, the starter was strong and the motor spun freely. It was missing a carb and coil so he pulled one from a different motor. The carb was pulling fuel but no spark so either the coil was bad or there was something else going on. I ran out of time and they were closing but assuming that motor fires up, anyone know if that's a good match for this LT? It looks the same and I believe in that HP range and year it should be near identical.

Also, Any idea on prices of used motors? The owner threw $200 out there but I've seen many riding mowers given away over the years with good motors so wondering if it's better to just hold off and wait for a parts LT to show up and roll the dice that way. Seems like this is a bit of a roll anyway.

 

[nyone]

Time to cut your losses. These mowers are hardly worth changing all the belts on. Usualy by then there totally worn out.

 

[bkenobi]

That's what I've been thanking too. But looking at craigslist etc people seem to have gotten the idea some of these are gold plated. That said, if the market supports a 25 year old LT being worth $300-800 then putting in a new engine and sending down the road might make sense.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Harbor Freight 20hp horiz. Predator is a good engine but $900 or so.
Is it worth anything now as-is?
What's it worth with a used engine?
What's it worth with a new engine?
Me...I'd be looking at a new machine or Craigslist.

 

[bkenobi]

I hadn't checked HF yet just read threads and watched some of a few videos. Now that i look, HF doesnt even have an engine that would work because they dont have a big enough vertical shaft. That v-twin is horizontal shaft and yeah, way too expensive to justify. If the bone yard motor runs ill probably put it on and look for a different one off craigslist. This one is fine but the transaxle is a bit questionable. I wasnt expecting to be spending that much on an old mower like this so it's close to going to scrap. Thanks for the input.

 

[nyone]

That's what I've been thanking too. But looking at craigslist etc people seem to have gotten the idea some of these are gold plated. That said, if the market supports a 25 year old LT being worth $300-800 then putting in a new engine and sending down the road might make sense.

Asking and what they sell for are two totally different things.