Last week, after running for about 20 mins the motor started slowing down. After 5 minutes, my speed at WOT ran down from 5.7 to under 4.5 MPH, then the motor died. It restarted, did the same thing 2 more times, then it stopped for good. When I pulled on the starter cord, it was unmovable. After several hard yanks, it came free. The flywheel spins freely, but makes absolutely no sputter or hint of starting. I have removed the carb and verified the jets and float, etc are all clean and functional. I have sprayed both starting fluid and gas into the intake also with no results. The spark plug is new and produces a good spark. I plugged a compression tester into the plug hole, and it produces ~37 psi when the rope is pulled, which sounds low. What should it be?
The motor calls for 100:1 oil mixture, but I usually run closer to 40 or 50:1, so I know it didn't get starved of lube. The piston (viewed with a light through the plug hole) also looks good. Only thing I have heard that makes sense is that the piston ring possibly expanded, and when I pulled it free it no longer makes good compression. What parts could be bad?
Thanks,
Joe
The motor calls for 100:1 oil mixture, but I usually run closer to 40 or 50:1, so I know it didn't get starved of lube. The piston (viewed with a light through the plug hole) also looks good. Only thing I have heard that makes sense is that the piston ring possibly expanded, and when I pulled it free it no longer makes good compression. What parts could be bad?
Thanks,
Joe