Decided to clean and service for the coming season but cannot start the mower.Owned from new 1994 but only used for A couple of cuts each year to remove long strands hence as new condition.The problem appears to be no fuel getting to carburettor. Have checked diaphragm in pump and replaced pipe and appears ok but no amount of pumping gets fuel into carb.The so called experts at local mower specialist say it's obsolete and cannot be repaired!!!

Spenno, February 2016

check the filter on the carb, NOT AIR FILTER. on briggs engine they are in the fuel tank on the bottom of the carb. On the tecumseh engine clean bowl out and beware of any water.
also check jets on carb as said before they get gummed up with old fuel.

cc, February 2016

Consider perished fuel lines - the various chemicals in modern fuels cause the fuel lines to disintegrate - air is sucked in at the expense of fuel flow. Also particles of disintegration can block the jets.

The local experts would not want to begin a repair unless they could be confident about spare parts.

I suspect that you can probably buy a new carb.

Good Luck..., February 2016