It cranks and I shot starter fluid in the carb. No Go.

I'm thinking maybe I didn't get the push rods seated properly on the rocker arms in the head.

I did not pull the valve cover when I did the job today. The job seemed to go pretty well. Engine ran fine before I striped it down this morning, except for the oil leak from the head gasket.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

YF36

Update:

This morning I jacked up the rear of the mower with my floor jack as high as I could so I wouldn't spill any new oil.

Took the valve cover off and the rocker arms were hanging loose. Depressed the valve springs with a screwdriver and twisted the rocker arms into place on the push rods and valves, replace valve cover gasket, valve cover and started the engine immediately. Took all of about 10 minutes. Runs like a top. No more oil drip from the head gasket.

My only problem is I've been out of High School Auto Shop for waaaaay too many years or I would have thought of the rocker arms a lot sooner.

Running Mobil 1 synthetic oil.