Replacement B&S Engines, 311777 vs. 331877 vs. ???

15 years ago

I'm looking for help in finding the right replacement engine for my recently deceased Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engine. The dearly departed has a sticker on it that says 16.5 HP yet the model number is 311777, type 0117, and every website I go to says this is a 17 or 17.5 HP model. Regardless, I can find that engine model on-line for about $480. However, as I was shopping I noticed there are several other options with more HP. I need some help understanding the difference in my options because I'm thinking "why buy the same model if I can by a more powerful engine and it still fit?". I found a 21HP B&S Intek, model 331877 0036, for about $500. Wonder if it would be an even swap out in terms of fit? The Northern Tool website reads to me that these two engines are identical in features, just different HP. Can someone educate me on any differences I just don't know about, can't find out about, etc?

Thanks

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Comments (6)

tomplum
15 years ago
There are several sources to compare the engine features online. Tulsa engine warehouse, small engine distributors to name a couple. They will provide assistance as well. Common diferences are governor and alternator configurations,fuel pump/carb solenoid usage- cranks on occasion will be odd on some of the specials. Hopefully they can tell you if the exhaust hook up is the same between a 31 and 33" engine. That's why they have customer service.
bill_kapaun
15 years ago
Often, the only difference in HP is the decal and sometimes the carb.
The main considerations are mounting bolt pattern and PTO shaft dimensions.
IF you find a likely replacement, I'd suggest that you down load the IPL for your current engine and the replacement engine.
You can compare part#'s to see if they use the same crank, carb etc.
Also, you can see if your alternator/flywheel assembly can be swapped IF necessary.
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walt2002
15 years ago
"I found a 21HP B&S Intek, model 331877 0036, for about $500. Wonder if it would be an even swap out in terms of fit?"

The 31 series engine will be the same configuration unless it might be the alternator. I don't find a 33 series on my CD, CD must be too old. As Bill said, the main difference in the 31 series will be the hp sticker, they maybe tweaked some for a little more hp. The 23 hp engine you mentioned will be an V twin I expect and will not be as easy swap, exhaust for one thing.

Small Engines Warehouse or Tulsa Small Engines may have a better price on your 31 series.

Walt Conner
bill_kapaun
15 years ago
The 331xxx is a single OHV engine.
It doesn't seem to share common parts with the 31xxxx series.
The stator & flywheel are different PN's, so I wouldn't count on being able to swap those components. Therefore, for a "clean" installation, you'd want to make sure it had the same charging system as your current engine.
mademlin
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for all the feedback. I did contact the Tulsa Engine folks for advice and Matt said the 331877 could be a direct replacement for my current (dead) 311777. I looked at the IPL's for both engines (311700 vs. 331800) and some PN's are the same, others are different. The main parts (sump, head, crank, flywheel, rod, piston, cam, valves) are all different which makes me nervous. Others (starter, magneto, fuel pump, alternator, regulator, wiring harness) are the same so maybe it is okay. Regardless, I think I'll still call Tulsa and talk via phone vs. just email so I can get more feedback. Again, at the end of the day, if the crankshaft size is the same and the bolt pattern is the same, I want to take advantage of the bigger HP unit if possible. I want to make sure too that I get the right engine.

Any more advice to share is appreciated. Again, thanks for taking your time to help me out.
matthewflowers_live_com
12 years ago
How did that work out for you? I'm looking at the same thing right now... Any help is appreciated!

Replacement B&S Engines, 311777 vs. 331877 vs. ???

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tomplum

bill_kapaun

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Replacement B&S Engines, 311777 vs. 331877 vs. ???

Comments (6)

tomplum

bill_kapaun

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walt2002

bill_kapaun

mademlinOriginal Author

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mademlin
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