Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 303777 Valve guide, valve guide, head assembly

Question
B&S model 303777 type 0411-01 code 91092611

This Briggs has pushed the exhaust valve guide on the number one cylinder out of the head. It locked the valve closed and broke the pushrod. I can get the guide back in the head or replace it with a new one and get the other parts to do the repair, but I'm afraid the head won't hold the valve guide and will continue to push it back out. Would it be a better choice to replace the head assembly and not fuss with trying to repair what I have? This engine is on a 20 something year old Simplicity with no engine problems to date.

Thanks,
Gary


Answer
It all depends on how much money you want to spend on a 20 year old mower. I probably would put the guide back in and stake it to hold it in place. This will work most of the time, once in a while they still work loose. To stake it you usually take a punch on three sides of the guide you try to squish the metal of the head to hold the guide in.