Craftsman mower runs but wont start?

[sgkent]

What I see in that bore is evidence that an engine has been run hard and hot, maybe too lean. I still think you have a problem with the fuel supply or a vacuum leak.

 

[noel14]

What I see in that bore is evidence that an engine has been run hard and hot, maybe too lean. I still think you have a problem with the fuel supply or a vacuum leak.

Agreed. The engine is now occasionally seizing so I'm going to see if this is something that can be taken care of by warranty, and in the likely case that they won't take it I'll just be replacing the mower. FYI if it weren't for your last post about the head gasket and valves getting me out there to take it apart again, I was going to start throwing money at replacement parts without ever identifying the gouges in the cylinder wall, so I appreciate you saving me the time and money there

 

[Rivets]

To me those gouges are probably caused by dirt ingestion and will not be covered by any warranty. Time to look for a new unit or replacement engine.