So I called Terry at Power Trac this afternoon and did my best to explain what was happening to my pt-422. Basically he gave the same advice that you all been giving me.
First thing he said to do was check the oil level, which I did at 10 times since I had the tractor.
Second thing he said was to change the plugs. I had checked the plugs and they seemed fine, almost new. But he said as well as you to change them out.
Third thing he said was to put the battery on a booster. Try starting without the choke at first to get the plugs hot, then try the choke. He said call me back if that doesn't work. I did everything he said to do and it still sound the same and wouldn't start.
I called him back. Told me to a squirt bottle, like a windex bottle, and put gas in it. Take the air filter off and put a squirt into the top of the carburetor, then try to start it. WOW!!!!! She fired right up. I was ecstatic.
I called Terry back.
I said is the fuel pump bad, he said yes and no. He said the only problem with the Robin engines are they are the hardest to start cold especially when the motor is older. But once you start them they are good to go.
I played with the machine for about 1/2 an hour and my hour meter went from 715 to 733, so I am guessing I have a heck of a lot more hours on it than 715 when I picked it up.
Thank you guys for all your help, I am sure I will have plenty more questions for you in the future.
Frank