It's just a small 1 cylinder 1000 watt generator but thanks to contributors here, I verified the exhaust valve is pitted after I cleaned it all up with oven cleaner a toothbrush. My question is can I just replace the valve itself or do I need an entire new head? The seats still feel smooth.
You can replace just the valve. You should lap the valve to the seat though. That requires a lapping compound and some way to spin the valve. This is done before installing the spring. Lapping ensures that the valve is seated and won't leak. In the old days I have used comet cleanser and a small suction cup chucked in my drill. Worked fine. I know that is not the correct method but it worked and my mower ran for several years after that. Auto zone may have a valve lapping tool that they will loan out and you can buy some real lapping compound to do a better job. I always enjoyed getting the job done with what I had on hand. Good luck.
There is no need to replace head if the seat is good. Blue smoke indicates to rich a fuel mixture,white indicates oil consumption.
