Used parts

• Salvage yards: these are probably the most reasonable priced sources for major engine components if you can locate a compatible model and are willing to do the necessary leg work. Since only a hand full of really different engines are used on the majority of rotary mowers, this may not be that hard. Of course, the condition of such parts can be quite variable. And, it will likely be your entire responsibility to locate exactly what you need! Buying a complete engine by the pound to obtain a rod or piston may end up being cheaper than buying just a new part and just about as good in many cases. For internal parts, take along a copy of the Chilten or other engine repair book which lists engine cross references so that you will be able to determine if a part will be compatible without stripping the engine! (Of course, if the previous owner neglected the routine maintenance, the engine had a long hard life, or oversize repair parts were installed, you may be out of luck anyhow.)

  Yard equipment dealers may take old (non-working) mowers as trade-ins and be happy to sell or give away the remains for parts. Of course, if all you need is a bolt, you will have to dispose of the rest of the carcass!

• Garage or yard sales: if you are in no hurry and enjoy this weekend pastime, mowers in various stages of decay and disrepair are often available. I have paid $2 to $10 for non-functional mowers requiring relatively little in the way of repair - usually this is carburetor cleaning or perhaps a tuneup. The beginning and end of the mowing season are probably the best times for this search. At the beginning of the season, people discover that their mowers won't start, shove them in a corner, and go out and spend big $$$ for a brand new mower that will be in the same sorry state in a couple of years. (They, of course, have not read this document.)

  (From: BELJAN E (lvpy67c@ix.netcom.com).)

  "About 10 minutes, replace the points, spark plug and a spritz of starting fluid and 90% are fine after that!"

  At the end of the season they say "never again" and move to an apartment or hire a landscaper.

  I paid $35 for a Sears Craftsman mower in perfect condition (I guess grass mowing was not something the seller enjoyed) about 17 years ago and it is still going strong with only minimal maintenance.