James,
Did you clean the carby jets and did you check the float level (it should be 3/16").
The mower should start 1st pull when hot if it the settings are correct.
You should only have to pull the rope about 1 1/2 foot when hot starting it sounds like an air leak or a carby problem now.
Which side did you put the ring gap on the exhaust side or the inlet side?
