To put an end to this thread. I dismantled the engine and found a damaged oil ring as well as a damaged bore low down that I couldn't originally see with the head off so the engine turned into parts.

It was worth more as parts to fix other mowers. If it was a Briggs Industrial/ Commercial Unit or a Honda I would have re ringed it.

Thanks all for the assistance.

Peter

Last edited by Jaffa J; 05/07/16 01:05 AM. Reason: more detail