Hi, I picked up a 3.5 B&S lawn mower engine for kicks (and for free), and I want to use it in some way (not sure yet) but everything I've thought of
would virtually require horizontal output. I have been disassembling the engine to check potential problems, and I've come up with the following:
Carb: I can turn it 90 deg. relatively easily, with the help of a flexible hose
gastank: mounted to the bottom of the carb. both must always be upright
(oh and I might have to figure out how to run a larger gastank!)

these pose the biggest potential issues:
L-head design: It is possible the design of this 2-stroke L-head won't let it work vertically. I'm not sure why but I have considered it. There IS a strange module at the base of the 2 valves (by their springs) that has a large hole in it and some kind of diagphram inside. it's about the size and shape of a pack of gum. Not sure what it does but maybe, since this hole is lower than most of the module it is intended for oil to flow inside or something. edit: the parts list calls it a breather assembly
Oil sump: the sump and oilpan exist right above the rotor. However I find myself wondering, could I not abandon the sump and just run 50:1 gas/oil fuel? or would that not work. I could possibly try to redesign the sump but I haven't figured out how to open the crank yet

can't think of any other problems off the top of my head. your input is appreciated!