Those engines are not known for major failures with proper maintenance but s$$t can happen. If the crank journal is scored it is dead in the water, Briggs does not offer an undersized rod and few shops are equipped to grind these small cranks.The price would scare you anyway.
A new engine is under $600, less than the price of a short block. If you do go short block watch the date code, the crank and flywheel were changed in July 2012. The engine will not run with the wrong flywheel.
A new engine is under $600, less than the price of a short block. If you do go short block watch the date code, the crank and flywheel were changed in July 2012. The engine will not run with the wrong flywheel.