And Ken and others... yup, it really comes down to RELIGIOUSLY following the manual.

I went to higher octane gas... changed the oil and measured it carefully, and checked the plug gap, and made sure it was "dead nuts" on. Of course all this was after rebuilding the carb.

I vow to always run the engine dry, to always use something like seafoam in the highest octane gas I can find, and to change the oil every 10 minutes... and only use 300ml. (well, OK... maybe I change the oil after 10 or so hours of use.) Oh and of course to always use the freshest gas available.... something in a vintage "10 minutes ago."

I am now intimately familiar with the engine and carb. (keep the intimate comments to a minimum). GRIN

The engine now starts with barely a pull... I just have to look at it and it fires up obediently... it idles wonderfully... and when shifting, it just clicks right into gear and sits there and hums... like a good motor should.

I have saved myself at least $100+ in local engine service, and gained valuable knowledge. I think I could maybe field strip it blindfolded, in a rolling sea. GRIN

Now where is that adult beverage I was promising myself... ahhhhhh.