I know I'm stretching the purpose of this thread but it kind of fits if you think about it.
I have the same model, just a bit newer, that's been working for 30 years with a patched up deck I have welded on. This was posted locally for $25 with ad saying didn't run all tires flat but deck was good. That deck was all I cared about. Pics showed all tires off the rims so I brought an air tank and straps. 9 mile trip, arrive, I noticed a couple of small 3/16ths " size holes on deck and was disappointed and nearly said no thanks. Here's why "I suck", instead of looking further removing some leaves from further underneath deck I started focusing on the tires. I strapped the first 3 and got them to reseat. Pushed it out to street. loaded on trailer, paid the man, and went home. Removed leaves from on top of deck under and see 2 holes you could put a small foot through......DOH! I suck at inspecting the very reason I even was interested in the old junk. Had I done that first, the man probably would have said free if you want it or I just go home all well and good.
Anyway, removed all the grime and grease from around the motor, fixed a broke positive battery cable, and shot gas in the carb. No go...pull spark plug...great fire. Pulled the OHV cover, valves out of spec, adjust clearance to .004, cover back on, running on shot gas. Poured fuel in the tank, running pretty good. I washed it in the rain and overall looks pretty decent.
So that's my YOU SUCK story opener for 2023.