Mower deck rusting apart, engine still good

[gmercoleza]

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?