1997 briggs/straton locked up

gasket set: $35
piston rings: $35
Machine work: $140 (included replacing 1 exhaust valve seat, refacing all valves, setting valve lash and honing both cylinders)
New flywheel key: $3
Paint for engine: $10
Ring compressor: $12 (the only tool I needed that I didn't already have)

So, call it $250 after all is said and done. Replacement engine would have been a grand, and now this one runs as good as new.

If yours is a single, your costs should be similar but rings will be less and machine work should be less.

Good luck.

If you don't already have them, download the Briggs & Stratton manuals if you can so you'll have part numbers for the items you need. Makes it much easier when it's time to buy the parts, whether from your local dealer, from Sears, or from B&S directly.