g'day teapot,

never easy trying to suggest things without seeing the machine.

could be that there is water in the fuel tank and as the tank got to
near empty it was sucked into the carby, or the pipes that pick up the
fuel maybe blocked? requires removal of tank/carby assembly and
dismantle of carby for clean out, knowledge is needed for reassembly,
and you most likley will need a new diaphram on re-assembly, the
problem could be the diaphram. unless you know where the springs fit
and how and the diaphram and it's componenets this job better left to
a mechanic if deemd necessary. any damge to or incorrect installation
of those govenor springs will mean the mower won't run as it should.

might also mean that the intake valve in particular needs re-gapping,
when you ahd the head off and with the intake valve seated did you
check to see that you couldn't rotate the valve using finger pressure,
or take the valve cover off and using feeler guges check the air gaps
should be about 7 thousands of an inch (not sure of the metric
measure). if gapping is needed again that requires some expertise.

also what was wrong with the original head gasket? head gaskets can be
used a number of times, just soak it in hot water while you fiddle
around. your homemade gasket may not be the same construction as the
original.

and as has been said check the spark but if it is a more modern mower
then it should have an electronic ignition which if faulty will need
replacement usually expensive. and those spark plugs may look ok but
that doesn't mean they are working, especially under compression loads
in the motor. and air space checking of spark doesn't tell you the
strength of the spark, though if it is a blue clour and jumps say 1/4"
then it could be considered to be sufficient.

if you perservere with home repair might be wise to obtain a service
manual, for reference one might be available from your local library
or do a google you might get one from online. you will need the engine
numbers stamped onto the side of teh engine cowling in most cases.

let us know the end result

On Thu, 15 May 2008 04:30:22 -0700 (PDT), teapot
wrote:
snipped
With peace and brightest of blessings,

len & bev

--
"Be Content With What You Have And
May You Find Serenity and Tranquillity In
A World That You May Not Understand."

http://www.lensgarden.com.au/