Yes, back to the original problem. Most likely dirty carb, and since it is off already...It also points to a possible starting problem once you get it back together.
I haven't read the whole thread but of course the first thing you do is to remove the spark plug and look inside to see if the piston is going up and down.. I haven't seen any of these engines with any internal catastrophic failures but it's always possible.My cousin brought a MTD snow blower to me. He said he got it with no compression. The engine has the number 270-WJ. It looks like it has seen very little use. Oil looks almost new. I have never messed with a MTD engine. Not sure if there are any problems that are common to these? I was going to start with pulling the valve cover and see what the rockers look like. I did not find a parts listing for a 270-WJ a much more common engine was a 270-WU. It does not look like this engine has a compression release. I give it a pull and the engine just free spins. Anything to look for?
Cool, upon jumping to the latest I see you found the straw and they're holding the valve open and everything is good to go now. Congratulations. It's a shame you had to take the head off but oh well it still will be a good machine for you.Just an FYI it fired right up. Carburetor did not look to bad either. Thx for the help.