It was worth a try. If you find another PT 24 I reckon it would be worth trying to get one which obviously still has the original engine Just to see if their is anything in this special motor or flywheel or anything else
I can not believe that Victa would have sold machines like this for many years with such an obvious problem. They would have been driven mad with warranty claims.
We still love our 24 but if a late model original one came up close to me I would be tempted.