Thanks for the replies, the blades are razor sharp, I think the guy must have replaced them recently..
West thanks for your reply, wish I had a 16hp mower..

Would a gaskt have anything to do with it? In the garage he left me a belt, and a gasket thingy..

1999 Mystique Sport 2nd owner bought it in Sept 03
120000km 4 door, leather, loaded pics on cardomain, coatsy