Replacing parts is easy (and I"m sure your Dad can help if needs be), but often not worthwhile on a "budget" engine. Sounds like yours ran either too lean (i.e. not enough lubrication) or your air filter fell off. (These engines don't like sustained WOT runs either, ...they can get hot and the lubrication seems to dissappear.)

If you do replace the parts, make sure you tighten up the cylinder head bolts gradually in a criss-cross pattern. If you don't, the head can leak air and the engine won't run right.