Tecumseh tc300

[oldfellow63]

I had some time last week, so i thought I would try to get my old earthquake auger running, It is powered by a tecuseh tc300 engine with a tillotson hu carb. Pulled it apart and cleaned it up. Used acetone to clean carbon and crap out of the cylinder. The rings were free, no major scratches in the bore. Lubed it and put it back together. The problem I am having now is the starter cord is almost impossible to pull, and jerks back VERY hard. Pulls ok with the spark plug removed. Hard pull even with the carb and exhaust removed. The flywheel key is ok. I have run into this sort of problem before,with other equipment. There doesn't seem to be any repair internal parts available other than carb and a few small pieces. If someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it, but right now I am thinking all these cheaper 2 stroke engines are just disposable. The service manual is very sketchy as to assembly directions also.
I am an experienced mechanic, so this is very frustrating to me.

 

[Rivets]

Sounds like you have a timing problem. According to the manual I has a solid state ignition module and the air gap should be.030”. This manual may be of some help. https://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Te...-2-CYCLE-TC-TM-TC200-TC300-ENGINES-694782.pdf