Need new engine for 1999 Dr. Field and brush mower

Farmagain · Oct 6, 2017

I have a 1999 model Dr. Field and brush mower which was in excellent shape until a friend overfilled it with oil and it either bent the crankshaft or foamed the oil and wore out the crankshaft bearings. Anyway, it knocks when it runs, so I'm not going to run it anymore. It has a Tecumseh 12.5 OHV engine. I've read that rebuilding the engine is not sastifactory because the valves don't always seal completely. Since Tecumseh is out of business, I'm wondering if I can buy a Briggs & Stratton or Koehler engine for it. I can't get any of the online stores to make any recommendation for an engine that might work. The manufacturer does not sell replacemention engines. Most new engines don't come with the fuel tank or air filter, so I'm afraid to buy a new one, and be unable to mount the tank and such. Can anyone give me some direction on how to get a new engine on this thing? I can do a little retrofitting if I have to. I can weld and work steel, but I don't want a major project. The current engine model is OHV125 206618C, engine family: WPXT.3582AA, displacement 358, DOM: 9012 D, gas burner. Thanks for your help.

Kyle_in_Tex · Oct 6, 2017

First, there's a good chance that your carburetor needle and seat failed to seat properly as the float should push them shut. Today's gasoline is really hard on old engines and probably started the problem. When gas seeps down into your case, seemingly over filled with oil, and problems arise.

You will need to do your research to find a similar engine that has the same size and length of crankshaft to fit your mower. Many of the mounting bolt patterns are similar, but still I would check them.

Nix that link I posted, it did not have a recoil start...electric only.

Farmagain · Oct 6, 2017

Thanks Kyle. The leaking needle is a good possibility. I did replace that carb about 2 years ago, and I've always run ethanol free gas in it, but the guy who borrowed it has run several gallons of ethanol containing gas through it, over the last year, so it's still a possibility. BTW, The current engine has an electric starter, but I'll consider a recoil starter if there is much difference in the price.

4get gto · Oct 6, 2017

Somewhere on the web (and I'm still looking) there was a site that you give them the information of your old motor and they would sell you the new motor with any necessary changes that would fit. Thinking it was called "Repower something" . Seemed like good idea but just don't remember.