Well I got 80% of the back yard done and then the mower began to stutter. However, I don't think it is a compression problem; it felt more like a fuel issue. It would start to stall then pick up again and repeated this until it stopped. I didn't hear any hissing from a leaky head gasket either. It's too hot to work on so I've hosed it off and I'll check it out Thursday. Anzac Day tomorrow so mowers can bugger off.
Norm, I know your low opinion of Briggs' engines but that's what is fitted to most of the mowers I get. If the engine is any good then try another head gasket. A used one off one of your wrecks, lol.
