So before I break into my kohler 23.5hp...or 25hp (label is gone )....to change head gaskets was wondering if anyone had any advise or tips on other stuff to make sure and take care of since I will have it apart already...I have only done this one other time...but besides cleaning off carbon and making sure faces are clean and bolts are torqued just right...what else do you do when you take the heads off?

This mower set for a few years before I got it....I used marvel mystery oil when i first started it up....is there a way to tell if piston rings are stuck without using a compression gauge?

Trying to quiet the engine the best I can with a silencer muffler...should I be worried about blowback? If so how do you know when you have too much blow back?

I also got a new carburetor for it to install at the same time...have a 6 speed high and low transmission on the mower and plan to make that engine work kinda hard tilling and such and getting a garden going thisbyear