I found this on Facebook Marketplace - it needs one cable repaired and the carburetor cleaned, but it fired up on starter fluid at least. Not bad for $50, a former landscaper was selling it.
This engine looks moderately complex, but I'm confident that I can figure out how to service it.
I got her running- just needed a complete carburetor cleaning, and fresh gas and oil. Ironically, it's snowing here today and I'm working on a mower.
These links show how to clean it:
Update: I cleaned, sanded, primed, and painted a commercial Hi-Vac deck, then moved the engine and drive system onto it. I used Real Red from Sherwin-Williams from their oil-based industrial alkyd enamel product line.
This was a test; I need to get this mower into service this month, since Pittsburgh is feeling like spring. I have two more Snapper decks, where I will wet-sand to reduce brush strokes afterwards. But, I think that this SW paint will be very cleanable and resistant to chipping, which was the goal.
