Originally Posted by Bruce
Tiger,

I have one thing that I want you to do for the test.

1. Remove the muffler and air filter hose and make sure that you are in a well vented area and then try to start the mower as normal.

Once you have done that let me know what happens. Note do not us start you bastard when doing this and you might have to pull it over few times if you still have fuel in the crankcase. cheers2

Tried as you suggested this morning, no change in mower's behaviour, did not even sound remotely interested in starting. Pulled the cord 30 or 40 times. Did notice that there is petrol on the engine outlet to the muffler.