Hi all,
Have finally got a chance to test the compression as Grumpy suggested. There was a noticeable difference before adding oil - felt like I hadn't removed the compression valve. Post 2 stroke oil (Thanks Bob) I could hardly turn it over. So it's off to the mower shop now for engine rebuild!!! Rings not a hard job in the scheme of things.
Bob - I've had the carb apart and I'm happy there is no problem there. Also timing appears to work fine based on the spark coming out of the plug in time with rotations of the flywheel.
I'll post a report post ring change.
