Just my kinda luck....

[Machdup1]

Can't you have the motor rebuilt by a small engine guy? These aren't exactly F1 engines.

This. If you are mechanically incline. Yank the motor and take it to a B&S small engine repair guy and have him tear it down and estimate of rebuild. If not, take the whole mower in.

If the cost of repair is more than 50% of a new motor, buy an new exact replacement, install it and call it good. Otherwise, authorize the rebuild.

BTW, I think I’ll be checking my mowers oil filter before reach use.

 

[velocicaur]

I'd take fair value of the mower and take the repair off the price and a little more for the next owner's headache. I'm sure there is a mechanically inclined person that can fix it for cheap on their own time. They can flip it or use it.

Switch it out for a new one and call it a day.

 

[Tractorman]

Buy replacement gasoline engines for lawnmowers and equipment from Small Engine Warehouse

www.smallenginewarehouse.com

Can you find an engine cheaper here?