Just got back to this mower. Been busy fixing mowers ready for spring!
Changing the PCV valve disk made no difference. Still the same problems occurring.
AVB good suggestion about the valve guides so thank you.
Do you have a recommendation for checking the guides. I normally just make sure the valve is firmly in place with no side to side movement. If required I�ll normally lap and grind the valve stems if clearance is an issue but it is not on this engine from my most recent tests.
I did a wet compression test (oil in the plug hole) and compression increased which is making me think warn rings.
Given the age of this mower I am thinking I�ll sell it as a parts mower. It was only $5 so I�ll easily cover my costs. Nothing lost from the whole process.
I can�t justify rings and associated gaskets which seem impossible to find for an engine that so old.
Unless I get some other suggestions I�ll be sending this mower off as a parts machine.
