Op did get the mower going quietly ! However , had to look at the fella's bigger ride on that had lost power ..Turning it over by hand , it produced a loud whistle over compression . Fitted a new head gasket , squeaky noise has vanished ,goody goody top banana !! Went to start it with a new battery , but it wouldn't rev up much above idle?? Sounded more meaty ,but not much increase in rpm's..?? It drove though albeit slowly ..
Engine is an Intek 16.5hp Briggs .Further investigation reveals the cams have worn so much .the valves only open about an eighth of an inch!! Seems a common issue ,avoid B&S Inteks .. Looking for a big Honda