This mower had been sitting for over 2 years and started once many months ago.

First job was to check the Briggs and Stratton engine wasn't seized. Without the spark plug the engine turned easily  (the engine oil was very clean which is a good sign).. 

These engines can suffer from camshaft wear which prevents starting, this one still has plenty of life in it (although changing one only takes about 4 hours and they're not expensive).

The valve gaps needed adjustment (a common maintenance item on these engines) and the carburettor was cleaned of old fuel, refurbished and re-jetted. I also flushed out the fuel tank and fuel lines.  Changed the battery, oil, replaced all the filters and spark plug and that was all that was needed on the engine.

Second job was to to clean years of dirt off the mower and remove emulsion paint splashes from body work .

The deck was removed and the chassis cleaned. 

The deck was a bit bashed but useable.  After removing years of  grass, it was rubbed down, re-painted, greased and a new belt fitted. The blades were sharpened and balanced.

Once the fuel had been primed the engine started first time and ran smoothly. 

The clutch and deck need adjusting but that won't be done until I find a piece of grass that's dry enough to cut!