Well, I know that it has been a long time since I updated anyone on the progress made. Between work, sick kids, sick adults, Christmas, getting ready to go snowmobiling, etc, I haven't had much time to dedicate to getting this thing running. Let me rephrase this, running well. It does in fact start and run. However, there is still a lack of power issue. I do not think it is spark related since that is all new. It appears to have either a fuel problem or a breathing problem. The engine is acting rather "taxed" when the PTO is engaged for the deck. Again, I can turn the drive shaft for the deck by hand and it turns very easily. I've replaced the idler pulley bearings for the pump drive side and that is all in good working order. I did try an experiment of sorts. Without spending more money without having a good understanding of what could be doing this, I decided to remove the muffler and run the engine and see what happens. The engine actually seemed to run much better like a restriction was removed from it breathing properly. I also adjusted the governor according to the manual as well when all was hooked back up. Could this actually be the issue? Should I do another compression test and see if the valves are sealing right? Just wanted to poll the group on things to look at once we get back from our trip.
