JD>  Thanks for the very good description... 
Aw shucks... ;) 
 More tips... in the cellar, I had dug a '3 foot hole for another 
project... but I used solid 3/4" NPT that screwed right into the  
exhaust port of the head, and ran it into the hole, which was then 
floored over and vented to the outside.  incredibly quiet muffler. 
 I can't recommend rebuilding a Briggs or Tecumse engine of this size 
unless you have antique reasons. Most have aluminum bores which a new 
set of rings will never last in. Of those with cast iron sleeves, the 
mains on the crank are still just counterbores on the aluminum case,  
and will likely wear to the point that blows the oil seals. 
 Because of automated/robotic assembly, new motors like this will be 
almost as cheap as the rebuilding parts and machine shop services.
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