Your old mower lasted 22 years and you want the Home Despot model to last maybe 3 ???

Look for the model number. It starts with 143.

Translate that to the Tecumseh model and look on ebay or better yet, look in Tulsa engine warehouse.

I doubt a shop would want a 22 year old parts mower that didn't run.

Most likely your engine was built by Tecumseh. If it was, it'll have an engine # 143.xxxxx.
Post the engine # (and mower#?) and I can probably look up the equivalent TEC #. No guarantee it's available though.
Chances are good though that there are a lot of other used engines out there that would bolt on. Maybe even a Briggs.

The main things to check are the bolt pattern, shaft length & dia. & key type so that your blade adapter fits.
Some people even re-drill the deck to take a different mounting patter. I don't think I'd do that unless a bit hard up. Old mower deck with extra holes is going to be weakened somewhat. A lot would depend on the deck condition. If the wheels were about to fall off, cracks etc. Your call.

The tecumseh engine on Craftsman mowers were often equipped with a threaded crankshaft and a large nut that held the blade and blade adapter in place. This should be considered when seeking a replacement engine.

engine # 143.344052

Yes, there is a threaded crankshaft where the blade is held on with a nut.

I hit a tree-trunk with the blade, which caused a severe vibration. This is what caused the motor to blow up. No telling how long the engine would have lasted. However, I have a small yard (which is never watered) & barely used the mower over 20 yrs. 6 times a year?

engine # 143.344052 corresponds to Tecumseh # ECV100-145221F, can't find it on Tulsaenginewarehouse.com though.

I have a mig-welder (to fix any cracks) & drill press, so I can bolt in a new engine if needed.

Call Tulsa and ask what would fit on your mower or shop ebay

I have a new Tec.engine I will sell for $50.00 plus shipping.Has a sears sticker on it but only a 4.5 HP.Let me know if your interested.Also have a new 3.5 and 3.8.

Another option is to check the repair shops for a used engine that fits. With all the cheap mowers made in the last few years, deck failure isn't that uncommon. They may have a good engine off a toasted deck. Many of the mechanics would probably know if they had one off the top of their head.

gorper99, I'm interested. Email me.

I don't know what kind of mower you have, but if 22 years isn't enough, it must be LOVE.

I like the Honda equipped mower at Walmart, it is a push mower, but it has all the other stuff (side, rear, muclch), and with a Honda engine, all for $208, about the price of a good engine.

The main thing to consider when replacing a 3, 3,5-or larger lawn mower engine is this: 1. The end of crankshaft where blade adapter bolts on.

2. Which way the starter pull rope outlet points! You may have to change it.
3. The bolt holes in the deck should fit another engine, if you point the spark plug the same way. But, i have had to redrill a hole now and then.
4. Also, the safety shut-off / blade brake cable,
   might have to be re-routed.
5. Also a re-route of the throttle cable might be necessary.