I put this old engine (5hp briggs 130202) on my tiller and fired it up and it smokes. It runs good at mid range but when I rev it up it spits and sputters. I had put a new diapram in it and tried to fine tune the carb. After about 5-10 minutes of running it dies and I have to clean oil off the sparkplug. I would like to attempt to fix this. Would you think it is the rings, valve seats, or valve guides that are creating all the smoke. I did pop the head off last night and spun the flywheel until the valve was completely open then wiggled it side to side (about 1/16" of play), then spun the flywheel till the other valve was open and wiggled it, so there is a little slop, is this normal? There was a pool of oil on top of the piston as well. I am just looking for the easiest way to repair this motor, not a costly trip down to a machine shop. Thanks

Did you check the obvious, like it has too much oil in it or was stored at such an angle the oil seeped past the piston. Have a good one. Geo

What color is the smoke?

Did you check the obvious, like it has too much oil in it or was stored at such an angle the oil seeped past the piston. Have a good one. Geo

I completely drained the old oil and refilled with fresh oil. the engine was sitting level so i filled it completely up.

What color is the smoke?
Smoke is white.

i'm sure those motors are only suppose to have 20oz's of oil in them, briggs sells the small container of it, could be that you have it overfilled.

I am gonna change the rings anyway, since I got tore down. I just had a time of my life trying to get the rod cap bolts out. There is some sorta lock (piece of metal bent over the edge of the bolt) on them. Is there an easier way to bend them straight, I was just using a screw driver and tapping the back of it with a hammer, it was quite a job. When I go to lock the bolt down, should I beat it "FLAT" against the bolt like it was the first time. FYI this engine has been opened up before.

you should tap the metal back against the bolt to keep them from backing out, IMHO the best thing to do would be to purchase a new one, i always do just to make sure the tabs don't break off, cheap insurance..