How wrong can you go for $90? It sounds like a fuel flow problem. 2 cylinder B&S, 16hp's, are not bad to work on.

 

Agree with Ed.
B&S are straight forward engines, alot of parts around, lots of help on here for them, B&S website has info on them.
Also, sounds like a carb cleaning is needed, pass that small wire thru all the openings, remove that small piece of rubber hiding in the orifice. Maybe a new fuel line, fuel filter, and clean out the tank. New plug and air filter, sharpen the blades, you're mowing in style. Minimal tools are needed. Just patience.
On the other hand, if all else fails, part it out. Tires themselves bring $25 - 35 each up here, un mounted. Seats $50. etc., etc.

 

I had a similar problem about a year ago where my Briggs and Stratton engine would only run on full throttle. The carb bowl had a fair amount of a rusty looking crud in it which I believe was caused by ethanol fuel.

Cleaned the carb, started using pure fuel (no ethanol) and no more problems.

 

agreed with everything posted so far. My 2 cents would be if you buy it pressure wash the engine fully first. take care to get the govoner area fully cleaned of all grit. Also taking the 2 secounds to check the spark plugs is a good idea.

 

For 90 bucks it seems like a pretty decent deal I wouldn't leave it there. Check the fuel line and the tank for any sediment build up, I recently got a old turf trac with a 8hp brigs on it and the fuel line was plugged, tank was full of crap and carb needed to be cleaned. Runs like new now! Don't rule out a faulty fuel pump, but check line to pump and tank first.

 

Thanks everyone. I'm suppose to pick it up this evening, he told me if i get it this weekend I could have it for $80. When i figure out how to post pictures I will put pictures of it and my other riding mowers up

 

Scott mowers are similar to the box-store Deeres. The do have a reputation for being reliable, so you should be in good shape. For $80, if it doesn't have 4 flat tires and you turn the key and ANYTHING happens, you're ahead of the game.

JayC

 

Went and got it Friday, it needs more work than i thought. Alot of the governor linkages are missing when i was comparing to the 16 hp twin on my mtd (identical engine). Even though it needs alot more than i thought, i still think it's a good deal in the long run, here are some pictures. A quick question i have is, do you guys think a 12.5 horsepower will be big enough for this mower?
This mower is suppose to have a 20hp and it has a 46 inch cut. the 12.5hp i have is an extra engine off an old craftsman that needs a ton of work.

 

Well, if the 16hp twin is sound I would just make or purchase the linkages for it. I had to make a few for a 11hp briggs single on my first craftsman tractor, got the measurements from an online mower parts catalog, http://www.repairclinic.com/ . Also, I have a Kgro tractor with a 16hp twin and was in need of some parts (missing engine shrouds and whatnot), found them all cheap (at least, way cheaper than ebay!), on this site, http://www.mowergraveyard.com/ . Good luck with the new mower!