Questionthis is an older motor, not a clone. Has been used in a wood splitter configuration. It is very hard starting, when started runs great. I tried disasembly and soaking carb, blowing out with comp air reassemble. It wants to backfire thru the carb. It wants to start but will not take. It also kinda flutters as it wants to start. Is the problem still possibly the carb? REad you may have to soak a couple times. How critical is valve adjustment. I didn't have a feeler gage at the time, but had the valve cover off and the rocker was lose enough to wiggle but no slop.
AnswerIs the intake valve sticking? You try some Valvoline carb cleaner spray and clean the intake valve. Remove spark plug, spray valves, rotate engine, and spray again several times.
Make sure the intake valve closes quickly.
Have you replaced the spark plug?
Improper valve clearances could cause the problem but make sure they are working properly first.
Valvoline carb cleaner can be found at Advanced Auto...it works well for cleaning varnish.
Eric
