I Am Rebuilding an tecumseh OHV16 engine and i have ran into a problem. the oil pump cover screws are all stripped and i cannot get them out. i have been working on these screws for two days and cnnot get them out. Any tips on getting the things out would be greatly appreciated!

Can you get a vicegrip plier on screw head? If you can, I'd only move screw back and forth a little just to get it moving, just don't break off head, then you have to drill.

is there enough room to heat? try a hand held acetilene torch. heat them till red hot. then cool with water !!!! do not try to remove them while they are still hot, cussing will follow!!!! wait until the screws are cool to the touch then you use vice grips back and forth to loosen, you should then be able to remove them by hand.

Ummmm older=reliable.....you were going to mention that it's not wise to use an open flame around fuel and oil and stuff right? ;-)