You won't find a new engine that fits the 111. Briggs doesn't make L-head engines anymore, and an OHV engine won't fit unless you do some serious modifications. I had a small engine shop down the road tell me he could put in a Briggs Intek for $700. But after talking to Briggs, they said it absolutely wouldn't fit. Your best bet is to buy a 12.5 hp Kawasaki FB460V engine replacement. This engine was used on the 112L (exact same as 111H, except for the motor), and also with the 165, which was the later version of the 111H with the same transmission and frame (but a different hood). I picked up a 111H for my father in law in good shape, and running, but not well. It starts right up but knocks and smokes a bit. The Briggs is wore out. I found a 165 in good shape with a strong Kawasaki motor but a bad transmission. Right now I'm trying to decide which tractor should be the donor and which should be the fixer-upper. They're both in similar condition, it's just a question which is more work to swap, the engine or transmission. Before I found the 165 I was going to buy a Kawasaki engine from a guy on eBay. I spoke to him on the phone. Seemed like a nice guy. He is liquidating the inventory of a relative's Deere dealership, which includes a bunch of these no-longer-made engines. If you really want to keep that 111, this would be absolutely the best option. They are much higher quality engines than the Briggs, and he'll work with you on the price. The Kawi has cast iron cylinder liners and a full-pressure lube system. Most didn't come with an oil filter, but you can buy a retrofit kit which will add one. If you give him a call and deal directly with him (saving him the listing fees), he can save you a few bucks. His name is Mike, 402-813-2307. He'll probably sell you one of the engines for $400+ shipping. I think they cost something like $800 new from JD when they were available. Let me know how it goes! -Chris Here is a link that might be useful: FB460V on eBay

I like Jack's too. They are good and knowledgeable. I also use Outdoor Power Direct. They have a good selection of parts and they are open until 8pm ET. Worth a look - Outdoor Power Direct.

I don't change them unless I have problems not explained by something obvious. Admittedly, my skills may not be up to some others here. I got my initial experience from the VW Idiot's Book with our 59 VW Bug, 65 Squareback and 68 Bug. I rebuilt the '59 engine. I had an old Ward's 14" chainsaw that I ran for 25 years. I guess that I may not have had its tuning set to best advantage because I tended to get fouled plugs with some regularity, but I just had several and cleaned them up in batches and reused them.

Sounds like a scored cylinder/piston. To check, remove the muffler and look at the cylinder and piston. Any large scratches means the piston/cylinder head are trash. Buying new repair parts will be more expensive than buying a new blower. The scoring happens from lack of lubrication, no/not enough oil in the mix or the carburetor is set too lean and the engine overheated.