frozen Snapper engine

[FarmerBen75]

I have an old Snapper (inherited) and I froze the engine (15.5 hp B&S). I thought there was oil in it, but apparently there was also an oil leak... well, the thing seized right up. I've added more oil and used a crow bar to get the fans on top turning. I can turn it by hand a little (it goes all the way around) but when I try to start it it only goes around once or twice and still won't start. I don't know much about tractors, but have been learning a lot on this one...

Do I need to have the thing rebuilt?

Can I save it? I do I need to buy a new engine?

Many thanks, Ben

[bontai Joe]

Have you pulled the spark plug and squirted a little oil in the cylinder? And since it does turn, the engine is now "unstuck", but still may have no spark, or low compression, or a stuck valve. These are things you can check out if you are a little mechanical and have basic tools (mostly wrenches).

[FarmerBen75]

Thank you! I will try this... :bannana:

[Walt 2002]

What "Stuck" is most likely the connecting rod seizing to the crankshaft which is usually fatal. I doubt that "having it rebuilt" would be practical. Very unlikely that the piston sized in the cylinder as the rod goes first from lack of oil.

Walt Conner

[RED-85-Z51]

Little cousin seized a 5hp Gokart motor from no oil.

He got it freed up, and it ran for a few months before it finally died.

I just finished rebuilding it for myself today.

If you do get it to start, it will most likely not run for long. Likely you ate the rings, galled the piston, and opened up at least 1 end of the rod.

Id pull the head, and look at the cylinder. You know you did some damage, now it is just a matter of damage control.