Did you see the link to my Frankensteined VC Mr Davis? The engine wasn't even original as it had a G4 carb but it went well once I put one together for it.
I'm not sure I did mate, where was that one?
I had another quick look at this VC160 scrap find today and I noticed as I tried the pull starter gees this thing has a ton of compression for an old mower. Then I had a look underneath the top metal cowl and as I assumed there is no decompressor there and a spark plug has been put in it's place. They also just cut the plastic vacuum line and just put a screw in to block it off near the carby.
Now that's a far less unusual fix! I honestly can't begin to count how many times I've seen that one done! for the most part I find it somewhat unusual on these older machines as generally, the decompression valves are quite easy to repair, being a serviceable part. most times it's a matter of taking it off, opening it and cleaning it up. I've not all that often seen the diaphragm deteriorated beyond saving and even leaks around the plastic nipple at the top can often be dealt with by tightening the grip and adding an o-ring or gasket paste... the support stems often become loose from the base cup, but this has to get pretty bad to effect operation...
