Mower deck rusting apart, engine still good
 

I have an MTD mower, unfortunately since it was stored outside the deck is rusting apart; I get a new "chunk" of rusty metal flung at me every couple of weeks, and now I think it's just unsafe to run.

Too bad, since the engine is in TOP condition. Doesn't burn any oil, runs very nicely, if not a little loud due to the rusted out muffler. I changed the oil 3 or 4 times in the 6 or 7 years we have owned it, using DELO 15w40. With a little carb cleaning, a new muffler, and a new sparkplug it could be like new.

I'm going to buy a mower off Craigslist; no point paying $300 when I can get a decent used one for $50. But if at all possible I'd like to buy a mower that can use my *spare* engine if and when it becomes necessary. Is there some sort of database or manufacturer listing that tells you which B/S engine works with which mower?

Too bad you're not in Columbus. You could have my old Craftsman mower. Not a spot of rust on the deck.

S-glass, epoxy resin and 15 minutes should fix your old one.

We fix lots of rusty decked mowers. Take it to a local weld shop and get their opinion.

That's good, or look for another (new) deck on e-bay.

I made the mistake of putting synthetic oil in my MTD mulching mower I bought new in 1991....the dang motor wont wear out but the deck is rusting away and I have replaced the wheels a few times and the blades at least twice. Now the old cables are jury rigged so I have very 'simple' controls on the motor itself.
The mower has turned to something you would find on "Mad Max" or "Red Green Show"....DIE! PLEASE DIE ALREADY!!!:mad: I want to buy a New shiny mower!:D

And no; I don't really want to start using the stinking 'nice' lawn boy, i have posted on Craigslist.

I feel your pain! I use only M1 in everything including the B&S engines in the push mower and in the Snapper ride on. The push mower is from 1999 and he basically held together with duct tape and wire. The self propel hasn't worked in 5 years and the shut off is now me holding the governor closed to kill the throttle stupid thing is either full on or off no speed control except the governor. The darn thing will not die! It starts on the first pull and does not smoke or use any oil. I change the M1 at the beginning of every mowing season... The Snapper is even older being late 1980's vintage and he will not die either. I have replaced the blades three or four times, the seat twice, gas tank, all the cables and belts more times than I can remember and the tires once all around and twice in the front. Again the darn thing always starts and runs great. Lots of power to go up the pretty steep hill I have in my back yard. Neither engine has an oil filter, but the oil stays pretty clean over a season.

Most mowers use the same engine. The shaft and key is pretty standard. What you can do it wander the neighborhood and grab a decent mower that some moron ran out of oil and killed the engine on. Or cruise by the mower repair shops and see if they have one with a blown engine for little or no $

That is a good idea

I called on this one in Craigslist:

Used Murray 20" lawn mower.
3.5 hp Classic Briggs & Stratton engine.
Will not run. Needs work - possibly carburetor or spark plug.
I bought a new mower and no longer need this one.
Will take $25.00 or best offer.

Drove about 45 min. to pick it up, with the kids watching movies in the back of the minivan. The mower was still shiny and looked great - seller said it was 3 years old, but stopped running, and he couldn't figure out what the problem was (I noticed a shiny new spark plug). I gave him $20 for it.

Got it home and noticed the cable for the safety shutoff was out of adjustment and the mechanism was not disengaging. I sprayed the mechanism with WD40 so it would move a little better, then I pulled harder on the cable with a screwdriver. It started right up, and runs NICELY. I'll just have to either adjust or replace the cable. But I got a lightly-used mower for $20! This one's staying in the garage, so it shouldn't rust apart like the other one.

Now I have a spare engine...

My 12 year old Scott is having the same problem, the deck is getting pretty rusty. Engine still runs fine, but the deck and everything else wearing out, its time. The FWD doesn't work anymore, its on its 3rd set of front wheels, and the back wheels are starting to bend up.:D

I found a Husqvarna I like at Lowes for $329, next $50 off coupon I get I think I'll buy it.

Not a big fan of used stuff, prefer just to buy new and take care of it. I paid about the same for the Scott and got my money's worth out of it.