WOW thanks man you are very specific about this i really appreciate your help. But this is way way beyond my pay grade im going to have to take this to a shop to get done do you know what a shop might charge me to get this done? Also so you think my engine ISNT seized or finished? So you think theres still life left in the old girl? I dont want to give up on it you know i bought this mower new in 1999 and ive kept it going this far and i hate to get rid of it. I live on long island NY if anybody knows of a good small engine repair guy who isnt expensive (im on a really tight budget) please let me know thanks and thank you Slomo.