Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): bent valve, plug holes, intake valve

Question
I have a5 hp B&S engine, when I took it apart I found a bent intake valve below the head. What would cause this? There was build-up of carbon around the valves.  I also have a 440 BSE engine, good compression.lots of spark. Put gas in plug holes, but it will not fire. Can you help me?    Thank-you

Answer
Hi Lyle,

I know that the build up of carbon is definetly not a good thing.

As far as the bent valve, there are many possibilities but it is hard to say which one is going to be correct.

If the 440 is not firing then you should check if fuel is stale,  or if it is a carburater problem.

Hope this helps,

Howard B