What is she doing with that much dead equipment? The valve problem could be a result of poor lubrication but you say it has only been used 10 times. Strange to say the least.

Her ex just replaced equipment when it quit. Not trouble shooting or getting it fixed.

Most likely it was stored with that valve open and it stuck shut.
Work some penetrating oil in the guide and let it soak in

This is funny; A long time ago I got the wise idea of putting some alcohol in the fuel tank of a mower I had with 3.5 HP B&S. I put it in with the gas already in the tank and it ran just like before. The next time I went to start it, however, it just spun with no resistance and of course wouldn't start. That's when I remembered that the alcohol was contaminated with varnish as I had used it as a thinner and brush cleaner and poured some back into the can. So, the valves were stuck with the varnish. I thought about this for a little while, then got out my can of Kano 'Kreen' (internal engine cleaner) and put some in the gas and oil. I took out the plug and poured some in the head, too. The next day she fired up after some cranking. That mower, bought new in '71, was still running in '94 when I gave it to a country cousin. I know he used it for several years around his trailer.

She probably ran 2 cycle fuel thru the mower,don't mess with the guide unless you really feel you need to....clean up the valve and give her a whirl,she'll probablt run fine ...w/new fresh gas of course...Jim

bad/old gas varnish= stuck valves

The valve had excessive black burnt gunk around it. The valve guide is good but the seal is trashed and one is on order. Are the hard to change? The dealer said they can be a booger! Also I noticed that while the head is off that oil leaks out around the piston...I checked the oil level and its above the full mark by about 1/4 inch. Is it worth pursing or should I cut my losses?

You haven't even said what kind of engine it is. Brand, number.

Oil leaking by rings,cut your looses....you'll have more into than it's probably worth....My 2 cents ,Jim

The engine is a 4.5 B&S setting on an Eletrolux deck. Sorry the number is not near me but I can post it if it will help. I dont think the parts are going to be over $15.00 and I have nothing in it so for practice I am going to work on it a little more and see what happens but I am not going to put any more money in it.

The Fisher guy was correct. Old fuel will stick a valve, usually the intake. To correctly repair the unit, remove both valve and use carb cleaner and a guide brush to clean valve guides. Clean the valves using a wire brush and carb cleaner. Check the carb for old fuel. You will probable will need to clean it and the fuel tank.

Well I recieved the head gasket and valve seal and installed both. I noticed that the oil level was high enough to seep into the valve springs drainage hole. Oil was about 1/2 inch above full on the stick. I got everything put back together and it cranked up with a little smoke and then it cleaned itself out, runs good. I stated before that there was oil seeping past the piston when it was just setting there but I dont have any smoke when its running. Do you think that it will be fine?

Inspect the oil for gas. If it smells like gas you have a ring problem, if not it should be fine. Keep a close eye on the oil. Check it each time before mowing to make sure it does not smell like gas. DO NOT OVER FILL THE OIL!! this can burn out the engine.

When I repaired the engine I drained the old oil and serviced with the correct amount of good oil. I let it set for a day and after 3 shots on the primer bubble it fired right up with no smoke what so ever. I believe she overserviced the engine enough that when setting static the oil passed by the rings and sat in the head until start up. Then when she cranked it the oil burnt on its way out and eventually stuck the exhaust valve. Its going to be a good seller when I have a yard sale.