I recently picked up a power reel mower. It's a Craftsman model # 536-81740-YB4. The engine is an Eager 1 model # 143 243 042. Thanks to an earlier post I was able to cross reference it with a Tecumseh LAV30-30527K. The engine runs rough and I would like to tune it as best I can. It smokes for awhile once you start it. It doesn't seem to run at its peak even at full throttle. I plan on performing some engine work, depending on its complexity. Since it's self propelled, the tires are pretty well bare due to their age. I'm lookng for replacements. Any leads/advice is greatly appreciated.

does it blow white smoke, or black, it may be running too rich right off the bat. or it needs a overhaul if it constantly blows white smoke. could also be that the governor isn't set right if it doesn't want to reach full rpm limit, if all else checks out, carb and all.

What would an overhaul include? Is it something that could be done by an eager novice with some tools but nothing special.

well a rebuild of the carb wouldn't go that high, and can be done with some simple tools, a rebuild of a tecumseh engine would be a nightmare, they have close clearances. and well you'd need to have new rings, bore it out if its too bad and hone it, or hone it out, lap the valves if they are not sealing right and or adjust them, new oil seals etc, or buy a new short block. better to have a shop do it because to buy the tools you need wouldn't outplay just doing that one engine, even then it would be more costwise to replace the engine if it is in fact needy of a rebuild, or just have it rebuilt by a shop. quickest would be a new engine...

wanna sell it? send me a pic and a price. f-n-m