If it is a Briggs you might also try unplugging both coils kill wires and try it again. Each wire has its own diode in it and they do go bad . It can have spark on both cylinders but one side at the wrong time / open ex valve piston on bottom of stroke .
I have the same 40 mile drive for everything, gone half a day . I have pushed a piece of steel brake line inside of the hose then bend it, leave it in there , no kink , then say it was like that when you got it .
I had two MTD /Toro economy models that had struck water meter bases and bent the blade and the deck itself. The complaint was a crocked cut. I used a 48 inch straight edge across the spindle pulleys to correct the bend in the cupped area where the spindle bolts onto the deck. I use a truck tire...
I have replaced them without removing the engine. Remove your pulley /PTO clutch , drill a small hole into the metal of the seal , Install a screw into the drilled hole and use a claw hammer to pull out the seal. Use a section of 1 1/2 inch PVC drain pipe 6 inch long or longer as your seal...
I have chopped up more garden hose in this town , I am 70 and have one rule , if I can drive over it I am mowing it. Yes I do have holes in my vinyl siding . PS I found my fence post driver .