Eureka Grumpy, when I reassembled it the motor started and ran without my having put petrol in the cylinder. This was with a new plug gapped to .025". I think I must have had a plug problem which I did not recognise at the start; or it could just have been the fact that everything got a good cleaning. I will attack the valves and rings in the summer. I am very grateful to you for your constant attention to my queries, and the accurate advice. The Outdoor King forum is one of the best things on the Internet. MacCullum
