The Briggs had spark so I fueled it to see what happens. Big mistake., started trickling out the centre of the primer button and didn't have the luxury of a fuel tap so had to strangle the fuel hose with vice grips and recover the fuel back out the tank by tipping the mower onto its side and emptying it back out.

I pulled the starter cord but no response after pumping of the bulb a few times.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!