when do you decide to move into a newer mower?
When the grass and brush is getting taller than the house, a jungle just to get in and out of the house and the mower is still broke.
I drill hole in the edge of the discharge chute and install a 1/4 inch eye bolt and fix a short bungee cord to the tractor and I can use the bungee to hold the chute up when going into close quarter areas that would normally rub on the chute and when I need to use the chute to keep rocks and...
Something you did when you changed the oil if it was ok before.
for example oil filter not correct.
sump drain plug overtightened and cracked the block.
Spraying oil under pressure is a indicator of the oil filter area.
A $15 dye kit from the auto store would have saved you lots of time.
Hint: (from experience with your issues with those type engines)
Those engines have a plastic intake manifold (that will warp leak air
AND
The o ring manifold gasket at the engine can be replaced with a flat gasket
AND
The Nikki CLONE carb is also a source of problems.
The really good carb is...