Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD 325, fan shroud, push rods

Question
I have a John Deere 325 with a 17 HP Kawasaki that I bent an exhaust push rod and was wondering if it's worth grinding the valves and reseating them or if this motor is shot.The head is off and I can see no damage. Thanks Craig

Answer
Bent push rods are caused by a stuck valve. The valve guide has been moved in the head.  The only reliable repair is a new head. Parts will be about 200.00, 2 valves, and a head.

HELL YES IT'S WORTH FIXING. Have you seen what 200.00 dollars will buy.

This is an awesome tractor.  The reason the valve stuck is because you should have pulled the fan shroud and clean the cooling fins at 100 hours. You skipped that page in the owners manual, didn't you.

Dealer cost to repair, 325.00.  Worth every penny.