murray rear engine mower ?

stevend · Sep 18, 2009

HI, I bought a murray rear engine mower in great shape guessing made in the early 2000's.
The problem is the engine wouldn't turn over. Took the top cover off and found out a big crack running the length of the case and a chunk missing. The engine is junk. Would I be better off finding a good used engine or buying a new engine?
thanks

Larry Jones · Sep 19, 2009

For your use I kind of doubt that there is such a thing as a ''good used engine''. I would look for a new one and avoid the problems that you will get with used, Sometimes used means abused.

stevend · Sep 19, 2009

Larry Jones said:
For your use I kind of doubt that there is such a thing as a ''good used engine''. I would look for a new one and avoid the problems that you will get with used, Sometimes used means abused.

Hi, I guess I will look for a new engine. Is there a different engine of a different horsepower that would fit instead of a tecumseh 10hp? Where would be a good place to search for a new engine?
thanks

Larry Jones · Sep 21, 2009

If you have a Sear's service center near you you should be able to pick up a replacement. Or check local small engine repair shops.
If you go for a bigger motor just beware of different mounting pattern and cable hook ups.

stevend · Sep 24, 2009

Hi, Have a problem with the other 10 Horse murray we have. Just started yesterday,When you start it up it will shoot out a little puff of smoke. After letting it idle for 30 seconds it starts smoking burning oil out of the exhaust and between where the muffler meets the engine. What would cause it to be smoking like this? Could there be a hole in the piston or some other problem?
thanks

atschirner · Sep 24, 2009

Can you provide a little more information please?

Did you check the oil level before or since you started the mower? If not, would you please and report back. Why check the oil level? If your mower's fuel supply is gravity fed there is a good chance that fuel leaking past the needle valve in the carb has allowed gas to add to the level of the crankcase oil. This can cause the oil/gas mixture to enter the cylinder and be burned during combustion causing the smoke you are seeing. While you are checking the oil level, give it a sniff. Does it smell like gasoline?

Please let us know what you find and we'll put our collective heads together to make additional suggestions.

stevend · Sep 24, 2009

Hi, I checked the oil it doesn't smell like gas. The level is half way between the add and full mark. I just started it up it doesn't do it nearly as bad as before. There still is a little smoke coming from between muffler and engine. After I shut if off you can see smoke coming off the muffler for about a minute.