Amazing your video! I just found one in Brazil and I’ll restore it for Kart Cross of my son!! THANKS A LOT!

One thing I don't like about Briggs and Stratton is the SPRINGS. frik. I'm about to do my first lawn mower. After doing weedwackers. Your video helps on what to look forward to. Yay.

Just some positive feedback on Briggs and Stratton motors. Had two Mowers over 40 years both with side valve. I did what no one recommends ran flat out the for half an hour when new into tall grass, dropped the oil waited till cool  emptied out, put in new oil .did the same again for the next half hour. then next time used like normal folks. Exception when finished hosed down while hot .cleaned perfectly then put away.Both motors gave out after 20 years with only oil,filter and plugs changed.

Welcome aboard!!  Glad this series was of some help. That's the only reason I made these videos.  I didn't need any special tools except for two.  Although It can be done with a screwdriver I highly recommend the Briggs & Stratton valve compression tool.  I use it in the video.  
The other tool I have purchased since this video was made was a piston ring compression tool for the size piston I have.  I tried to use an automotive one and it was not fun ...it can be done, though.  
Just my 2C!!

Really a leak down test tells you every thing that’s needed as far as block and valves goes
Flat head = valve job 😊

AlchemistLair : that oil looks purddy thin . thanks for your video's , best blessings .

New sub, these are a great video series, I am going to work on my Craftsman mower that has a Briggs engine this winter and go through it like your doing, thank you for doing these vids they will help a lot...Real nice details like the talk on the special tools... those are key, carb tool etc...any recommends on Briggs carb tools...etc...A video on all the special small engine tools would be cool...

Good video, thanks for posting. Looks like some homebrew frosty beverage at about 15 minutes.  Yummy.  I just got a free B/S 123K02 6.5hp motor off of craigslist. Actually runs fine, but going to break down/rebuild with my son just for fun and learning. First project like this for us, never torn down an engine before!  Should be fun.

To check the valves are not leaking compression you need to turn the engine over until you come to the compression stroke then move it so that it is just starting the power stroke. Then with both valves closed pour gas into the inlet manifold if gas leaks from the valve it needs ground repeat proses on exhaust . Also when you remove the head check the gasket look for black marks where the cycling ear gas may leak from.

Thanks from Russia. Your video is very helpful in the repair of the engine, especially to remove the valve

They are amazing little motors!  Thanks!!

that metal sheet around block keeps the plastic carb and other plastics from melting. it is a heat shield.

When you do a compression test you should be getting 50 psi the engine needs at least 50 psi to start.You are also probably getting blow by so check your Piston rings for wear or your valves or even the valve seats.

Sounds like your rings are worn and oil is entering the combustion chamber, it may be time for a ring job.  Check the compression on your engine.  It should be above 80 psi.  Also be sure to check "blow-by" by using a leak-down tester.  This can pinpoint if your rings are weak.  Good luck

i knew that i knew what i was doing in school im glad i can recap on here cuz i forgot which bolts went where  xD

That isn’t blocking air flow, it’s directing it.

Oh yeah, not my brew (Dogfish 60 min IPA) but I work better with something to sip on LOL!!!
Sound like a great project - keep us posted!!

i own two of these engine one i got free the other i saved from a junkyard the one from the junkyard is close to being done

I believe if you drilled holes in the fins and threw some copper tube through it and somehow water cooled it that way and whatever engine or a mini bike go kart I'm sure it's been done

U leave those on there cause the fly wheel blows air on moter and that helps keep the air on the motor