OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers SB 45 Engine Swap

Gday everyone,

Just inherited a Scott Bonnar 45 i believe 17inch twin rail in need of alot of love and care!

This mower has been left for a good 10 plus years not in use

Im in 2 minds if i should try and see if the old kirby engine is okay or just buy a new 3.5hp briggs and stratton which im hoping would just bolt straight on?

Also any tips on best ways to remove rust and clean it up will be most appreiciate as i plan on restoring it as best as i can!

If its going to be a machine used regularly I would most definitely go with the new briggs engine or even perhaps try to locate a honda G100 (i have one of these on mine and its great it came off an edger of all things) the old kirbys while not too bad in their day are getting hard to get parts for and are quite old now.

Everyone has their own rust removal techniques, I'm limited on space so just use an old wire wheel in a drill and rust converter, some may use an electrolysis bath, molasses, etc.

Good afternoon Treloarb and Joe

Plus 1 for Joe's recommendation of the Briggs if you are going to do it up as a keeper. I put one on mine , and yes, it bolts straight on, just make sure the clutch and shaft is square to the engine. Check those rails for any signs of fractures.

Cheers
wce

Thankyou so much!

Started stripping it down today and nearly have the frame fully apart, outer clutch case very stubborn and wont come off the engine shaft, just need to pull apart the rear rollers and remove some bearings and then can start to fully clean everywhere and start to make it look better!

Has anyone had any experience with any at home sandblasting kits to help or not worth it?

Ill attach a photo of the twin rails i think there is a small fracture but unsure if this should be rectified or it will be okay?

I have decided I will purchase the new briggs and stratton engine

Very much looking forward to everything!