Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Overhauling 8 HP Briggs Engine, briggs and stratton, hp briggs

Question
I have a Troy-Bilt Tomahawk 8 HP shredder chipper (about 17 years old, but in very good shape).  The former owner gave it to me because he ran the engine without oil in the crankcase. It now burns oil and fouls the plug quickly. I found rebuild kits at Jacks Small Engine. However, the kits are offered with several different oversize ring sets (0.010, 0.020 and 0.030") for the Briggs and Stratton Engine (model 190402). The original ring set was 3.000 inches. After measuring the piston bore with a micrometer, how do I determine which oversize kit to order? Should I have the cylinder bored out to fit a particular oversize?

Also, I have not yet disassembled the engine. Are there any "special" B&S tools required for this job. I have a ring compressor, various pullers and a ridge reamer to fit the small bore.

Thank you for any help that you can provide.

Respectfully,

Mac

Answer
Hello Mac:

I have Gotten to the Point that I and the Mechanics in the Shop Do Not Rebuild Engines. We Use Short Blocks. They are Cheaper than Buying a New Oversized Piston, Rings and the Other Components that May Require Replacing. Also there is No Cost Involved for a Machine Shop to Bore and Match the Piston and Rings to the Block. The Tools for a Normal Car Engine Rebuild will Suffice if they are for a Small Bore Engine. If the Block is Not Scratched or Gouged Really Bad, You May be Able to Deglaze the Cylinder and be Able to Use the Standard Ring Set. I Suggest you take the Block to the Machine Shop and have them Check for the Size Piston and Ring Set you will Need to Order. Then have the Machine Shop Bore the Cylinder to Match the Piston and Ring Set to the Block. How Badly was the Cylinder Walls Scratched? If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John