Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Head Gasket repair for non starting engine, head gasket repair, blown head gasket

Question
I have a John Deere STX46 with a Kohler Command 14 Model CV14S Spec #1463 Family SKH398U1G2RB. One Problem maybe has led to another. I am having problems starting the engine. It was working fine until I really stirred up dirt and dust after a long hard use. I really clogged the filter with this. I have done the obvious. New plug, air cleaner, gas filter, removed and cleaned the carb with Gumout, drained the gas, tried quickstart spray. None has worked. It cranks and tries to start but appears that it will not get gas but looking through the carb I do see it spraying and there is suction if I remove the carb and cover the hole with my hand. Plug does spark. After trying to start if I pull the plug it is black with a dry black dust. I did get it to start once but cannot say what I really did because I was trying so many different things and the carb was only half attached with the air filter section off the mower. I also did discover at this point where a 1/4" section of Head gasket is missing and it does blow out this hole enough to blow a hole in a plastic cover near the the carb. Could this be my problem and is there a quick fix for this hole without pulling the head and installing a new gasket? I have not done a compression test. If this is not a problem what else may I try?

Answer
The engine will not start with a blown head gasket.  Take a compression test and I think you find the answer to this question.  

Unfortunately there is no quick fix to replacing a head gasket except pulling the head which means pulling the carb, muffler, readjusting valves, etc...

Have a great day!