So last weekend I get a call from my wife's uncle. He wants to know if I want his troy bilt 22 hp (briggs vtwin) tractor. After all, its got a 42" deck and he knows mine is only a 37....Its a 2002 from what I gather. And its a garden tractor, not a lawn tractor.

Anyway, who am I to say no to a free tractor. The catch.....it leaks oil from the shaft. Anybody have any ideas what I'm in for there? Hopefully, I can fix it and flip it for a round hood.

Here is a pic.

I'm going to assume you mean that it leaks oil at the crankshaft seal. You might be able to put a new crankshaft seal in it. Check the crank for end play, if it has any a new seal won't do anything for you.