Craftsman Engine 143.975001 (1996)

The Craftsman 143.975001 also known as the Tecumseh HSSK50 engine is a 33-pound, gasoline powered engine that was produced for Craftsman by the Tecumseh Products Company. This engine was designed to help prevent engine shutdowns during cold weather due to its usage in snowblowers using a "Winter Engineered" outlined in the winter application manual using an intake system that channels warm air into the carburetor area to keep ice buildup at a minimum. The outer cover of the engine is also made of stamped steel, which aids in this effect.

Although it carries a Sears specific model, the engine design, specifications, and parts are all identical to the HSSK50 engine, and was simply built under the brand name as Craftsman sourced engines from major manufacturers, in this case Tecumseh. Any differences between these engines are simply cosmetic in label and minor accessory. Internally they are the same engine.

A known issue that can occur overtime according to technician reports with these engines is the carburetor, where the gas as it ages will turn to varnish and clog up the passages of the carburetor, clogging it and blocking gas from entering the chamber. It is highly recommended with this engine to clean it out periodically if you are not using it.

Identifying one of these engines is straightforward if you know what you're looking for. The HSSK50 can be identified primarily by the model number stamp. These engines usually have the model number stamped into the metal air cover just above the spark plug. It can also be found in some cases on a metal plate below this area. The engine’s appearance can be identified by a horizontal-cylinder layout. It typically has a black sheet-metal shroud covering the cylinder, a black plastic fuel tank on top with a red cap, and a recoil starter at the front.​

Model: Tecumseh HSSK50

Type: 4-cycle L-head, single-cylinder, gasoline

Horsepower: 5.0 HP

Displacement: 197 cc

Fuel: Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Oil (Winter): SAE 5W-30

Oil Capacity: 0.66 quarts (0.62 liters)

Starting System: Manual recoil starter or optional 120V electric starter

Spark Plug Type: Champion RJ19LM

Spark Plug Gap: 0.030 inches (0.762 mm)

Length: 16.6 in (420 mm)

Width: 9.3 in (235 mm)

Height: 13.4 in (339 mm)

Weight: 33 lbs. (15.1 kg)

Change Engine Oil: Every 25 operating hours

Clean or Replace Air Cleaner: Every 25–100 hours

Replace Spark Plug: Every 200 hours

Sources: Tecumseh 5.0 Horsepower Winter Application Manual

JustAnswer HSSK50 Technical Assistance

Diesel and Gasoline Engines Specifications and Service Data

Tecumseh HSSK50 Engine Operator’s Manual-This site hosts a downloadable PDF of the operators manual, with operating instructions, maintenance guidelines, specs, and troubleshooting tips.

Sears PartsDirect Craftsman 143.975001 Parts List-This site links to the official Sears parts directory which includes diagrams and OEM parts list for this engine.

HSSK50/143.975001 Engine Parts Manual- This links directly to a PDF including a reference list of parts numbers and an exploded diagram showcasing them all