OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Dead Briggs 12.5 HP engine

Hi there, our church's ride on was taken in to the mower store after it went 'CLUNK'. They diagnosed motor as dead, offered to replace for $2500, and the church ended up buying a 2nd hand cox ride on for $2600.

Needless to say I ended up with the old ride on- which is now sitting in my yard. I think the conrod is broken - asthe piston is not moving up and down as the motor turns. I'm 'reasonably' mechanical but not super versed in these engines.

The machine itself is in reasonable repair - cutting deck ok - heel/toe operation ok and wheels, tyres, steering all ok.

Question for the experienced - if you were in my boots - would you

a) attempt to fix it?
b) attempt to buy a 2nd hand briggs engine and bolt on? (Where??)
c) buy a Chonda copy replacement engine and bolt on? - if so - where?

Cheers - I'm in Brisbane.

Hi jon,
a) is out of the question
b) just have to hunt around if that is what you think, always a bit dicey but if cheap enough worth the risk
c) 13/14hp Chondas before the pandemic you could pick up for around the $400 new, they seem to have increased in price and supply is greatly reduced. The other downside with the Chondas is the don't come with a fuel tank which can be a major problem. Just google vertical shaft motors and you will see what is available on ebay

My suggestion would be to carefully go over the Cox chassis. If it wasn’t abused and kept under cover it should be ok but I’ve seen some pearlers. Check for rust, pitting and wear. Make sure all the spindles and bearings are in good serviceable condition too.

If, after all of this, you’re happy, start shopping for a new (or near new) name brand engine with the right power and torque output at the right revs. Those Cox chassis, if well maintained, can outlast three good engines. There are good deals to be had on new engines if you are patient and shop around. Once you have what you need replace all the belts and, if you do all the maintenance it’ll still be going strong in 10 years.

With all the mucking about you do to get them to fit I really can’t see the value in second-hand motors with uncertainty around their maintenance on ride-ons. As for chonda motors, they can be good but there is effectively no guarantee and the prices are not so cheap that they’re throw away items. If it’s for personal use then I’d go for reliability every time.