It is a horz. shaft engine not meant for a blade to attach to the crank. Surprisingly, no mouse nests anywhere. And you're right, the valves have never been adjusted since I bought it new.Since there is no blade to act as a flywheel, might explain some of this. Bet the valves have never been set. Also never ran the mice off on the cooling fins either.
One valve open, check the closed valve. Rinse and repeat.
I, perhaps erroneously, reasoned that since there was no blade attached directly to the crank, it was less likely to have a sheared key on the crank due to the belt drive acting like a buffer, but now I do wish I would've checked this first. Probably less hassle just pulling the flywheel first off. Will advise.The flywheel key is the first thing I would have told you to checked. I’ll put money that you will find it sheared or partially sheared.
I, perhaps erroneously, reasoned that since there was no blade attached directly to the crank, it was less likely to have a sheared key on the crank due to the belt drive acting like a buffer, but now I do wish I would've checked this first. Probably less hassle just pulling the flywheel first off. Will advise.
There is no adjusting these valves, short of removing them and shortening them w a grinder or increasing the depth of the valve seats, or installing new ones.It is a horz. shaft engine not meant for a blade to attach to the crank. Surprisingly, no mouse nests anywhere. And you're right, the valves have never been adjusted since I bought it new.
As you stated, you can adjust the valves. Easy job really. Little off the end is all it takes.There is no adjusting these valves, short of removing them and shortening them w a grinder or increasing the depth of the valve seats, or installing new ones.