Hi all, and thanks for the suggestions so far.

I tried the replacement carby I got... No go frown

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VICTA-Two-Stroke-Carburettor-Carby-Kit-Universal-With-Springs-and-Bowl-CR03773A/232588919094?hash=item3627614136:g:7BsAAOSwsYpaKKEE

I replaced the electrical tape with a spark plug boot as well.

After the carby replacement, the plug was still wet when trying to start, so again, I know fuel is getting through, and I know the fuel is good because I used it on another mower yesterday.

I tested the spark plug again after drying it off and the spark was there.

I have read some people report the spark colour can indicate a good/bad spark, however, I've read other posts indicating that's not the case. Also, not today but the other day, I did try with another plug and there was no difference.

I removed the muffler and OMG the fuel smell was horrible. I've never removed a muffler before but it seemed heavier than I would have assumed, though it seemed to be empty.

Trying to start the mower with the muffler removed I did get the occasional pop and exhaust gas, but the pops seemed very weak and it never seemed like it was going to catch.

I tried with the throttle in different positions... No go.

Looking through the exhaust port, you can see some scoring on the piston but as mentioned before, compression seemed normal so I'm not really worried about that.

Something I haven't tried is changing the poppet valve position, I left it in the recommended default for the replacement carby which was position A.

Finally and just a side note, the replacement carby came with a small rubber grommet for the cut-off wire that goes in the carby, but it didn't cover the entire plug and it looks like it was designed that way. This will prevent the tips of those rubber grommets breaking off inside because if they seal correctly, there's no need to have the rubber tip inside.. if that makes sense?

Anyway, any further advice or recommendations? I confess myself I'm almost at the point of replacing the ignition module, though I really don't want to disassemble the mower that much or incur the cost of replacing the ignition module.

Again thanks in advance smile