That is interesting Ali, thank you for clarifying. I'm surprised that you could make any impression on the valve stem with a file, but I gather the exercise is not expected to be very good for the file, and if it works, the problem is solved.
The side valve Briggs engines have many good qualities, and among them are light weight, low cost, easy starting, and fairly smooth running. Until the early 1980s they were probably the smoothest-running small engines around. Since then the smoothness of their running has been overshadowed by the OHV Hondas, but at considerable cost both in money and weight. The old Briggs engines still have a valued place in actual use, as well as in mower history. Many people enjoy the ease with which they can be repaired, and the readily-available, low-cost spare parts. I think we still have more Outdoorking members repairing Briggs engines than Honda ones.
I'll close this thread, as we always do with completed projects. If you are looking for any help on your other repair projects, you are welcome to start new threads in the appropriate Outdoorking forums.
