Toro 12-32 Mod. 561725 with 12hp B&S Mod. 281707-0175-01

This more of a strictly engine question and if anyone has a suggestion for more information please let me know??

Question - The spark plug hole stripped out and I did not want to use an helicoil. I have found and purchased a brand new head, but it was not supplied with new head bolts.

The way the Toro is built I just about had to take the engine completely off, but that is okay as I'm changing other stuff as well.

The engine is obviously old, but does not use much oil and only smokes on sporadic occasions. Before I replace the new head should I in some way hone the cylinder wall slightly (I would think too much would cause the rings to not seal well) and how? Should I use a ridge reamer to cut the ridge out?

Opinions - This engine is roughly 25 years old (always changed oil twice a year), but is there anything else I should replace (armature or etc....)? Might have a very slight burnt exhaust valve, but it could have been the blown out original muffler which I am replacing.

Thanks for all feedback ahead of time!!

Unless you are planning on removing the piston from the cylinder, do not hone or touch the cylinder walls at all. Could lap or regrind the valves, and regap. Other problems should be fix as fail.

Wow!!!!

I'll bet that head was "pricey".....

I picked it up on ebay for $54. It was an open box part, but still in the original B&S box. I think it was missing some small screws to attach the flat heat shield on. Still have the old ones though. I just had a bad feeling about buying a used one. My luck is that it would have been warped.