Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

My wife and I fell in love with this older Ariens reel lawnmower/snowblower, but it has been problematic.  The latest is that when I started it last time, I noticed it running a bit rough with some black smoke coming out of it.  Thinking that it was just a bit cold, I let it run for a couple of minutes.  It died, and when I tried to pull the cord to start it, it would not pull.  I took the spark-plug off to see if it was compression lock, and removed the cord mechanism to see if it was that, but neither effort was successful.  I am now convinced it is something major.  Is this something I can fix by cleaning the pistons and valves, and replacing the headgasket, or is it likely the engine is shot?  I am some experience doing work on my car, so I should be able to do most things.  In the meanwhile, I am going to get another engine until I can get this one fixed if possible.  Thanks in advance.