This link may give you some info/pitfalls-

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/RepowerItems.asp?Brand=Snapper&Model=Rear%20Engine%20Rider

Here is a link that might be useful: Link

Hi,

Kohler has the same engine mounting pattern as a B&S. Pressure lube and durability as well. Would be my vote

Oh me--such palaver about whether the engine is splash lubed, or pressurized! If the engine is a vertical shaft, don't worry about it not having pressure lubrication! The working parts will be running in oil most of the time, and when they are not, it will be because you ran up too steep a hill, and rolled it over!
I got 15 years out of my 12 h.p. Briggs on my Snapper, and the standard bearings are still ok!

Rusty, I don't care if I have splash or pressure lube. This RER is a backup machine that will see light use. My beef with Briggs is slapping Intek stickers on I/C engines. It's misleading and poor retailing practice. I'm sure a silver tongued Briggs rep could explain it away. This is a point of frustration for me as I'm trying to buy an engine that would mount and fit properly on a RER. If it has a filter it has to be accessible, if not, no worries. Splash has been around far longer than pressure in small engines and I actually prefer splash in this case (no filters to mess with). I just like to know what I'm buying.

Anyway, I found this thing on trash morning on my way to work. It is a series 23 and is in fantastic condition. No idea why the motor is gone. Sign said "Free" on it, so I loaded it up. Drive assembly looks good and there is no rust on it at all. It's a 28 Hi Vac, it has a Ninja blade mounted, mulch cover is gone. Maybe an angry housewife rolled it out to the curb to clear a cluttered garage? No idea, but the price was right for me. Wish me luck.

You are correct - the briggs labeling leave some doubt as to what you are getting. INTEK was originally a label applied to all the ohv engines. I believe the following is the current description.

Powerbuilt plain jane basic engine with splash lube
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IC cast iron sleeve model with splash lube
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Intek an IC engine with pressure lube. Some of the critical surfaces are still splash lube.
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ELS This model has a drilled crankshaft with full oil pressure lubrication - like automotive engines

Briggs has been mislabeling engines for awhile. I bought a used Toro Wheel Horse two years ago. The dealer had put a new B&S engine on it, and it was labeled "Powerbilt." Being curious about the specs, I spent some time on the B&S website. I concluded that it was actually an I/C with a cast-iron cylinder. It took a number of emails to B&S Support, however, before they would admit that it's an I/C. In fact, they called it a "Powerbilt I/C."

John

Sorry, that's "PowerBuilt." :-(

John

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm glad I'm not the only one frustrated with Briggs. Maybe I should just ignore what the sticker says and go off the ID plate on the engine. Seems foolproof that way. Local dealer has a Honda that may work. Guess I could buy a cheapo Power Built and run it to death. These seem to be the easiest to install.

I wouldn't overlook TEC. they are cheaper and last just as long with proper maintence maybe longer than the briggs. Honda anything IMO will be best IMO. Honda usually are priced lower than Kolhers, same a briggs vangaurds, higher than the cheap briggs models, and higher than TEC.