Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): seized tiller, briggs stratton, piston rings

Question
Hello Michael,

I have a used tiller from about 1970.  It ran fine last year, and wouldn't start today, our first use since about October or so.  I checked the oil, which was just a fill hole, no dipstick, and saw that it was oily in there, and since it ran fine last time, thought it would be ok.  Also tightened spark plug wire to plug a bit, and cleaned black junk off of decades-old air cleaner.  Put everything back and lo! it started.  Ran for a few passes and stopped.  Read manual, drained oil, there was about a tablespoon in there.  Clearly I need a chaperone whenever there is a small engine in my presence.  Beyond that, is there anything that can be done with a seized engine?  It's a Briggs & Stratton.  Pull cord won't budge.  I did fill it up with oil before I tried starting it--that's when I found out about the pull cord, and surmised that it was seized up.  Is it the end?  Thanks for your time.  I sure appreciate it.  It was old, but it ran well, until  today.  Thank you in advance.  I appreciate your help.  

             Regards,

                 Jo

Answer
Hi Jo,

Sorry for my delay.  My ISP was down.

You may be able to free a seized engine by first soaking the piston and rings with WD-40 or motor oil, then after removing the head, tapping on the piston top with a wooden 2x2 and a hammer.  Most likely there was scuffing damage to the cylinder walls and it may not run well without new piston rings and honing the cylinder.  It sounds like there was not enough oil when it was running.

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck,
Michael