I've seen these small tubes used when a thick gasket is put over the mounting studs to keep it from compressing too much, or on a thick air cleaner flange. Think along those lines. I don't believe there is any connection between your spark plug and those tubes. Did you make the plug tight, 15 foot pounds torque or so?

There is not much difference in the quality of vertical engines in the 12 to 18 hp range. If I were going to consider such a priced used 12 hp mower I would feel that the motor is cold, then try to start, If it starts on first revolution (with choke) and runs at idle (choke off) that is a plus. If the motor is hot when you get there, he has started it and you won't be able to see how / if it starts cold. I assume you cant do a compression test. If the blades engage without all kinds of noise easily that is a plus. If the deck rattles that is a minus. Does height adjustment work good.? Are blades tight? Are belts cracked? Are tires cracked? Is steering tight? Is seat ripped? Is motor greasy? I would run the mower and deck for 10 minutes. Then turn off and try to start again. For price information the Simplicity 4211 comes up as a 20 hp machine Simplicity must have reused the same model number. (see attachment) SIMPLICITY 4211 SIMPLICITY 4211 SIMPLICITY 4211 SIMPLICITY 4211 SIMPLICITY 4211 SIMPLICITY 4211 SIMPLICITY 4211 Equipment Specifications Manufacturer SIMPLICITY Model 4211 Price US $2,500 Location Myerstown, Pennsylvania Condition Used Horsepower 20 Stock Number 13884 Here is a link that might be useful: Simplicity 4211

Is there any way to test it or see it in operation first? Has it already been unistalled? There shouldn't be any issues with getting service, and one of the good things about a gas cooktop or range top is that the parts are pretty simple and straighforward mechanics. They have much less to go wrong and have to be replaced than something like ovens with electronic control panels and sensoors. I'm not sure, but I think all you might need to do is change out the regulator for a propane one. I am not certain, but I think I have a vague recollection of having to buy that in addition to the cooktop, and I'm thinking it was $65 or $85. You could easily call Wolf/Subzero and ask them (800.332.9513). Yes, if I am right about just changing the regulator out, it would be the plumber who installs it who would do that as part of the installation. How old is the rangetop? Are there any accessories being sold with it? I'm not sure that is a great price for a used rangetop, but would depend on age and other factors.

As far as the question "does anything run trouble free for 7 years?" I would guess the answer is no. If you have not purchased a service agreement and call about your 2 year old appliance that is now broke (and nothing is cheap these days), they will refer to the fact that they sell extended warranties to cover these problems and you should have purchased one. I've had my washer for about 2 1/2 years with basically no problems (pushed the cancel/pause button probably a million times to many by accident and messed up a cycle, stupid stuff like that). It's just a little annoying when you have a weekend to get a bunch of laundry done (by the way keep in mind that wash cycles in FL are a lot longer...in my machine anywhere from 45 minutes in the normal cycle to 2 hours in the sanitize cycle, doesn't include extra time if you like to prewash)and your machine is giving you an error code when your wash is 15 minutes from being done and then you need to start it all over again. At this point I like my machine more that I dislike my machine...I cannot say that I am in love with it. But they do not make appliances the way they used to. I've just had bad luck with the last 2 out of 3 Kenmore appliances I've purchased and next time I'll try a different place. My mother's dryer is still working and it's 42 years old. Amazing. I just wanted to let you know that there are some problems with the older models and I researched left and right before buying mine and nothing was reported. Good luck with your choice! They wash a ton of clothes!