Ok, will check the valves and for head gasket leaks first. I had the heat on to 50c on the ultrasonic cleaner, but if the valve/head isn't the issue I'll give that another try!
Try a leak down test. As mentioned above you can not compression test most small engines becasue of decompression. Did you check the fly wheel key to see if it was sheared? If so the timing is off.
did you drain the old oil out and replace it? if not there might be some gasoline in it. To me, thinking about it, having to spin it 10 - 20 times before the ether ignites implies either way too rich or some kind of spark issue. Make sure the plug is replaced and properly gapped.