Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh 6 HP vertical engine, head gasket problem, head bolts

Question
Hi,
I have a Tec 6 HP vertical L-Head engine with starting issues.
When I pull the rope, it's very hard to pull, kicks back a little, and puffs white smoke from the muffler.

It does have spark and seems to have fuel, but will not start even putting starting fluid through the carb or fuel in the plug hole.

I've checked the flywheel key and it's fine.
I found a few slightly loose head bolts.
One had oil all around it, the rest were clean.
Compression seemed low, around 40 PSI, but there is the compression relief to consider.

I'm thinking maybe a head gasket problem.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Answer
Usually kick back is caused by a couple of problems.

1.  Flywheel key
2.  Loose blade bolt or bad blade adapter

As for the head bolts they should be torqued, probably to 200 inch pounds depending on you model number.  Compression is probably fine...we see several around that range run fine.

Repair manual link:

http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/html/engine-specs/tecumseh/Tecumseh_L-Head_E

Did you check the blade and blade adapter?

Eric