Would this be worth getting fixed?

[pluto95]

Last time I mowed with my Toro (model 74353 (engine model 31H777-0168-E1 if I'm reading this right)) it had difficulty starting, ran a little louder than normal, died on me within 5-10 minutes and wouldn't restart. Checking it I found it was low/out of oil, so I think it had developed an oil leak, though maybe I just didn't tighten the filter enough last time I changed it. It still wouldn't start after refilling the oil, the engine turns but doesn't catch. There does seem to be more oil leaking on and underneath the engine since.

I can do basic maintenance on it but removing and disassembling the engine is beyond me. Any idea how expensive this would be to get fixed/replaced at a shop? Or would it be cheaper to just get a new mower at this point? I should mention we're probably only going to need a big, triple bladed riding mower for a few more years at the most.

 

[Skippydiesel]

The Toro 7453 is a half descent, dometic level, zero turn unit.
The big question is- has it been maintained to the same standard as the engine?
If yes, it probably isn't worth spending money on.
If on the other hand the engine problem is just bad luck(?) then a new engine may be economically justified.
I suggest you get a minimum of three quotes to replace the engine and do any other outstanding maintenance on the mower .
Dont automatically go for the cheapest quote - go with the best quote from a reputable shop.
When you get it back, your mower may not look new, but will perform as new and certainly see out your "few years at most" IF YOU MAINTAIN IT CORRECTLY

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

The Toro 7453 is a half descent, dometic level, zero turn unit.
The big question is- has it been maintained to the same standard as the engine?
If yes, it probably isn't worth spending money on.
If on the other hand the engine problem is just bad luck(?) then a new engine may be economically justified.
I suggest you get a minimum of three quotes to replace the engine and do any other outstanding maintenance on the mower .
Dont automatically go for the cheapest quote - go with the best quote from a reputable shop.
When you get it back, your mower may not look new, but will perform as new and certainly see out your "few years at most" IF YOU MAINTAIN IT CORRECTLY

A new engine in an old riding mower that is not worth that much to begin with is rarely worth it.
The question is, was it run being low on oil (still on dipstick), or run with no oil until it died?

 

[StarTech]

Hello fellow Plutoium. The 31 series are bad about blowing the head gasket pressurizing the crankcase which forces out thru crankcase vent into the carburetor. Then it is burn with virtually no smoking. Once the engine get so low as the oil slinger no longer picks up the oil the rod to crankshaft over heats causing the aluminum rod to start to melt and bond to the steel crankshaft. Once this starts it is then self starting and lead the rod failure. Usually this does a lot of damage inside the crankcase and cracks the crankcase sometimes. Lost of the lower crankcase seal can also be a cause of the this type failure.

Most likely you are looking at new to the mower engine replacement.

Now I have had this failure from a simple broken rod to complete destruction of the crankcase.

As for if the mower is worth the expense is your decision based on the overall condition.

 

[Forest#2]

If mine I would probably fix it myself,
but you indicate you do not get deep into engines and just do the basics.

Most generally if the machine is old and the owner/operator cannot do repairs/troubleshooting,, they should suck it up, just get out the plastic and go buy new so as to get a warranty. (and then get little bit back by selling the OLD machine.

No need in whipping on a OLD dying horse that you cannot doctor yourself.

 

[slomo]

It's much cheaper to hire it done that buying a triple bladed RV, storing it, maintaining it and the fuel cost. No upkeep, sit on the couch drinking a cool one watching the game. Enjoy life why don't ya'.

 

[Skippydiesel]

A new engine in an old riding mower that is not worth that much to begin with is rarely worth it.
The question is, was it run being low on oil (still on dipstick), or run with no oil until it died?

Yegads! Save me from the "throw away" generation/mentality.

I have never purchased a mower, ride on or push. Get given "hopeless cases" on regular basis.

Sold countless "reborn" units over the years - brush cutters, generators, push & ride on mowers, mulchers and chain saws - yet to have a "warranty claim"/return.

I currently use;

• Hustler Super Z 60" Repowered with a new Kawasaki FX 730V. Brilliant professional standard zero turn. Likely to outlive me.
• Toro Wheel Horse 17/44. Repowered with a preloved Vanguard 17 hp. Cuts a mean lawn.
• Husqvarna TS242, B&S 20 hp. Used for rough grass cutting.
• Husqvarna ? B&S 5hp push mower. Nice lightweight push mower cuts a good lawn.
• Super Swift, cast aluminium deck (very old) . Repowered with new B&S 5 hp. Bit heavy but good for long grass reduction.
• Currently bringing back from the dead, vintage Toro Wheel Horse 212-H / 38". Admittedly a fun project, when done will do good service for another 10+ years.
• Have x 4 generators - two for sale.
• Multiple pumps - keep for firefighting duties.
• Way too many brushcutters - mainly Stihl & a Honda. The 4/Honda is great.
• Stihl & Husqvarna chainsaws - mostly for winter firewood/property maintenance

Short of a total right off, most IC powered units can be salvaged , if not as a "goer", for parts.
Aside from the occasional engine warn out/catastrophic failure, most come back with a good deep clean, with special attention to carburettor (stale fuel). New belts & blades make a big difference to some.

A heart transplant/new engine for Pluto95's engine should be considered.
As suggested, get the mower checked out by a reputable repair shop. They will give you a quote for a new engine and any other work that needs doing.
Make a judgement - Is a repair/new engine cost effective, compared with the above "throw away" comments???

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Yegads! Save me from the "throw away" generation/mentality.

I have never purchased a mower, ride on or push. Get given "hopeless cases" on regular basis.

Sold countless "reborn" units over the years - brush cutters, generators, push & ride on mowers, mulchers and chain saws - yet to have a "warranty claim"/return.

I currently use;

• Hustler Super Z 60" Repowered with a new Kawasaki FX 730V. Brilliant professional standard zero turn. Likely to outlive me.
• Toro Wheel Horse 17/44. Repowered with a preloved Vanguard 17 hp. Cuts a mean lawn.
• Husqvarna TS242, B&S 20 hp. Used for rough grass cutting.
• Husqvarna ? B&S 5hp push mower. Nice lightweight push mower cuts a good lawn.
• Super Swift, cast aluminium deck (very old) . Repowered with new B&S 5 hp. Bit heavy but good for long grass reduction.
• Currently bringing back from the dead, vintage Toro Wheel Horse 212-H / 38". Admittedly a fun project, when done will do good service for another 10+ years.
• Have x 4 generators - two for sale.
• Multiple pumps - keep for firefighting duties.
• Way too many brushcutters - mainly Stihl & a Honda. The 4/Honda is great.
• Stihl & Husqvarna chainsaws - mostly for winter firewood/property maintenance

Short of a total right off, most IC powered units can be salvaged , if not as a "goer", for parts.
Aside from the occasional engine warn out/catastrophic failure, most come back with a good deep clean, with special attention to carburettor (stale fuel). New belts & blades make a big difference to some.

A heart transplant/new engine for Pluto95's engine should be considered.
As suggested, get the mower checked out by a reputable repair shop. They will give you a quote for a new engine and any other work that needs doing.
Make a judgement - Is a repair/new engine cost effective, compared with the above "throw away" comments???

Installing a new $1500 engine, plus labor, into a mower that is worth $650 on the open market does not make financial sense. Don’t preach to me about a “throw away society.” I repair and sell equipment and give it a new life all the time. Very few customers will spend 3 times the value of a piece of equipment to keep it running, nor should they.

 

[slomo]

Installing a new $1500 engine, plus labor, into a mower that is worth $650 on the open market does not make financial sense. Don’t preach to me about a “throw away society.” I repair and sell equipment and give it a new life all the time. Very few customers will spend 3 times the value of a piece of equipment to keep it running, nor should they.

Or one could snag say an older Craftsman lawn tractor off facetrash marketplace for peanuts. Swap the engine out. Most of the time the mower is junk with a good engine.

 

[Skippydiesel]

Installing a new $1500 engine, plus labor, into a mower that is worth $650 on the open market does not make financial sense. Don’t preach to me about a “throw away society.” I repair and sell equipment and give it a new life all the time. Very few customers will spend 3 times the value of a piece of equipment to keep it running, nor should they.

I am not in a position to know or comment on the second hand/non running value of a Toro 7453.

It would appear (Google) that the new replacement cost of a 7453 ,is north of $10,000 US. If correct , your cost of replacing the engine at $1500 + , may be a cost effective solution.

I point out, even with the very low $650 ($?) valuation, the mowere may be worth significantly more in going condition AND will cost the owner a lot more to replace with a new unit of similar capability.

I am not "preaching" to you, just advising the owner to explore their options, which did include cost & effect.