I have a John Deere 116 garden tractor with a blown engine, B&S engine model 402707. The rest of the tractor is in very good shape. Wonder if someone can answer a couple of questions on this. I'd like to find a replacement engine for it but don't know if there is a drop in replacement or if I can modify something to fit. It does have a 38" deck for mowing. Cost is a consideration since a good running tractor of this model seems to sell in the $400-$800 range, my estimation.
Being retired, thus having more time than money, would possibly take a used engine but not that familiar with specifications needed to follow closely.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Depends on what you mean by blown. You can buy a short block and replace much of your existing engine Brand New Engines - Briggs & Stratton Short Block Engines (http://www.brandnewengines.com/bsshortblocks.aspx). A new one would run about $800 so maybe those used units for $400-800 might be a consideration. Unless Deere has a recommended replacement engine I would not try anything but exactly what you have.

You'd have to check your engine model, but this looks like a fun little rebuild.

These kits might work and they are only ~150 dollars.


http://www.stenspartsdirect.com/product_info.php?cPath=92_233_943&products_id=6782
STENS 785-290 OVERHAUL KIT FOR BRIGGS & STRATTON 16-18 HP STD

BRIGGS & STRATTON 400400, 400700, 401400, 402707, 404700, 422400 and 422700; for 16 and 18 HP standard engines
and others

480-008 gasket set
495-028 oil seal
495-044 oil seal
(2) of 500-074 standard piston rings
(2) of 505-044 exhaust valves
(2) of 505-048 intake valves
(2) of 515-056 standard pistons
and others


http://www.stenspartsdirect.com/product_info.php?cPath=92_233_943&products_id=6783
STENS 785-294 OVERHAUL KIT FOR BRIGGS & STRATTON 16-18 HP.010

BRIGGS & STRATTON 400400, 400700, 401400, 404700, 422400 and 422700; for 16 and 18 HP .010 oversize engines
and others

480-008 gasket set
495-028 oil seal
495-044 oil seal
(2) 500-090 .010 piston rings
(2) 505-044 exhaust valves
(2) 505-048 intake valves
(2) 515-122 .010 pistons
and others

Depends on what you mean by blown. You can buy a short block and replace much of your existing engine Brand New Engines - Briggs & Stratton Short Block Engines (http://www.brandnewengines.com/bsshortblocks.aspx). A new one would run about $800 so maybe those used units for $400-800 might be a consideration. Unless Deere has a recommended replacement engine I would not try anything but exactly what you have.

I don't think Deere would recommend you put any other engine than what corresponds with the model number on your tractor. If your block is cracked there is no rebuild. Neither Deere nor b&s offer rebuild kits for the b&s engine engine, but there are aftermarket rebuild kits for engines like this.

Being so cheap, I kind of want to do this rebuild just for fun when it warms up.