New Briggs 6.5HP Troy compatible engines go for about $250 on Ebay.

Unless you have a passion to save that old engine, I can't believe there would be much savings when all is said and done. (expecially if it needs a total overhaul)

I would also rebuild the carb. The parts are readily available at www dot rcpw dot com. I used them last year and got great service.

I would second davefr's opinion. Wherever you decide to source your engine from. If the tiller is just one of those things you use twice a year and and you don't mind the leaks and quirks so be it. 30 y/o tillers are notorious for ingesting debris that creates worn carb bodies, throttle shafts, valve guides, cylinders etc. Getting them as good as new takes patience, machine shop time and special parts. Couple that with the fact that Tecumseh parts of this nature may not be cheap and readily available as they once were. Maybe yours isn't that bad. Maybe a spark plug would solve your backfire and you are on your way for another 30 years...

I replaced my tech HH 60 with the briggs 6 1/2 hp, don't regret it a bit. I hate to see the old cast iron blocks get thrown away but thats just the way it goes.

How about bearings?

Thanks for all the feedback. I certainly do appreciate it.
It seems the most economical thing to do would be to buy a new engine. But, I do enjoy working on them and I sure hate to see that old cast iron block get retired. So, IÂm going to invest a few $$s in her and call it a hobby.

Broke her open last night and hereÂs what I found:
- Exhaust valve spring keeper had broken and was not
holding the spring and so the valve was floating.
- The valves do not pull out of the block, they go as for
as where the spring keeper goes on.
- The counter weights on the governor had sheared off and
were lying loose in the bottom of the block.
- Carbon build up on the head and piston.

Question:
What do I need to do to get the valves out?

Thanks,
bob

I did a partial rebuild on my 82 pony with a 5 horse briggs.
Standard rings and a gasket kit were all I put in. I was able to get the blue smoke to stop and all I did with the cylinder was give it some emery to break the glaze.
I had a little valve wiggle which old briggs engines were known for. Having not seen your engine I can't tell if you need to mess with the valves. My experience with tecumseh tells me no.
I have been fighting the urge to re-power that tiller. A little here and a little there each year and it runs fine.
Your engine may have points so make sure to get the timing set before you put the cylinder head back on(tecumseh manual).
Go for it.

Peace

The valves are likely burred where the keepers sat on them. Dress the edge with a small file and they should drop out.