I've had several Lawn-Boys that ran great once they were started, but they were real buggers to start. I finally just left a propane torch in my garage. Open the torch valve (DO NOT LIGHT IT
) and stick it in the intake. Pull the starter and the engine will fire up. Pull the torch out and the engine will usually keep running.
At least you know you have compression and spark when it starts.
(You should always use mid-grade or premium, it will start easier. Not that that will solve this problem...)