News Groups wrote:
I have been having problems with my Craftsman riding mower leaking oil. I
took it to a local repair shop and they were giving me ball park prices
depending on what they find. One thing they mentioned is that if the blocked
is cracked its time to hang it up and replace the engine. Is this true? Cant
a cracked block be repaired?
Thanks
John

John, It's pretty hard to just 'crack' a block - especially on a little
industrial motor like you have in your mower - I think they just want
to sell you a new engine. I would say you could have a loose sump plug,
maybe a few bolts loose in the bottom plate of the engine, or at worst,
a worn-out crankshaft seal. First thing I would do is try another
small-engine repair shop - they may have an entirely different story.
Yes, a cracked block may be repairable, but if the engine has been
abused enough for the block to sustain a crack there is probably a lot
of other stuff wrong with it too - it would be real noisy and smoky.
What brand of motor?? - if it's an American Briggs&Stratton it's fairly
tough - if it's Chinese or Korean, maybe not so tough.
Big Mick