OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Victa Lawn Mower Frames Confused - Victa / Tecumseh 207cc

G'day all, found this forum with a search and I'm hoping someone here can help me please.

I'll start from the beginning... purchased the mower in the attached pics in '95 to mow a 1/4 acre block, in the near on 20yrs I've had it, it's never skipped a beat, never changed the plug (until now) or blades and from memory only changed the oil twice. I know, very slack on my part.

It played up last time I mowed, started her up, it surged, then wouldn't, then surged again, up and down, like clockwork. It did this for a minute or so then came good so I mowed the lawn.

Now, 2 weeks later, would start no problem then starve. A search of google says I have a 207cc Tecumseh with a temperamental carb but somehow I've been lucky all these years. Is it worth trying to source a carb kit?

The mower base (alloy), catcher, wheels, etc. are still in good condition so I thought I could fit a Briggs & Stratton, I get the feeling I can't, unless I buy an identical disc boss... I think that's what it's called, with 22mm internal dia. Do Briggs make a suitable engine with a 25mm dia. x 50mm long shaft? or do they make only 70mm long in 25mm dia.? and if so, assuming they can be purchased... could I use an extra or thicker spacer ring under the engine?

Assuming an engine is available... I now only mow a 35sqm patch of lawn, so could I fit a smaller 3.5hp engine?... I'm looking for a cheap as possible fix. Or, should I scrap the whole idea and just go buy another mower for a few hundred?

I'm baffled, please help.