Hi all, new to the forums and first post!

I've purchased a Victa Mustang, MCA482, with a VEX60 Power Torque 2, 2-Stroke engine, and for the life of me I can't get it to run and I have no idea what's going on.

When I first received the mower, I started by changing the O-ring around the primer bulb plate, replaced the rubber grommets on the start/short leads, and gave the carby a good service and clean... No go.

I then checked the air filter, no problems there, all clean. I even tried starting it with the snorkel hose disconnected... No go.

I checked and cleaned the spark plug. It was a little dirty but cleaned up perfectly OK. I checked spark and it looked normal. I even tried a 2nd spark plug. The spark plug boot has been removed, so I wrapped electrical tape temporarily around the terminal... No go.

I checked the crankcase seal (Pull start side), and it was rather damaged and on very tightly. I changed that seal... No go.

I removed the head to check for any damage. A small part of the head gasket around a bolt wad damaged a little, but nothing significant. There was also a small amount of scoring on the exhaust side, but it didn't appear to be too bad. I reinstalled the head... No go.

I tested with another decompressor... No go.

I performed a compression test both with and without the decompressor. With the decompressor, it was lower obviously, and with a spark plug in the decompressor hole it was significantly higher and very difficult to try to turn the engine, so I know there's compression.

I noticed the spark plug was wet. I cleaned it off and spun the engine a few times to clear out excess fuel. I also rotated the poppet valve from position C to position A... No go, and the spark plug was wet again.

At one point, I tried starting it without the decompressor on, and the fuel tank off, and the engine fired once and shot a nice flame out of the decompressor port, so I know it can fire.

When trying to pull start, most of the time there's not even a hint it's going to start, and other than the above test with the decompressor off I've never seen/heard it fire.

Can anyone help? I'm completely stumped.

The only thing I can think of is if maybe it has something to do with the exhaust? Because the above tests should show that I have compression, spark, fuel (Too much possibly)...

Cheers in advance!!