Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): husqvarna 61 starting, vacuum test, compression stroke

Question
I have trouble (nearly impossible) turning over my 61 (ser # 9100548) which I bought new around 1989-90 if it has been sitting around for more than a day. It feels like there are no intake/exhaust ports that open and all I am able to do is turn the motor three times on each pull, with the motor coming to an almost complete stop on each pull. Eventually maybe 20-30 pulls later it will suddenly, from one pull to another  free up and turn almost freely and then start easily and run beautifully at idle and high speed. But I repeat it is a bitch to start! I have had this problem for about the last 5-10 years. I ahve taken it to the local dealer and asked every tree man I run into and no can tell me what the problem is. Recently I had trouble starting it (not to be confused with the turning over problem) after spending 3-4 days cutting up a 90 foot pine. But it was due to a totally gunked up ring locked into its groove and after I installed a new ring things were back to normal.
If I had to guess I would say the problem is a faulty compression release valve but as far as i can tell and what the dealer and manual tell me there is no compression release on this model.Any ideas?

many thanks

konrad streuli ()

Answer
Hi Konrad

make sure yopu do not have a broken gasket between  bar oil tank and crankcase chamber
if oil gets in on induction / compression stroke  it will be forced into combustion chamber , it doesn't take much for this to increase compression  to the point where you can't pull it over  or you keep breaking start cords  - you will have to drain bar oil tank and let all oil drain fully ,then pull engine over  to hear a hiss comming the bar oil tank/ crankcase gasket  or   pressure and vacuum test the crankcase to find the leak ?    

almost sounds like the unit has a faulty ignition unit to me   and is igniting the fuel mix way before it should  - pre-ignition / timming  issue  - does the unit have  fixed magents in the flywheel

make sure they  have no  cracks in them , be sure the air gap is set to correct distance from the  flywheel , your ignition unit may be a 2 piece or  single piece   , it a 2 piece  ignitor may be causing your problem , if its a  single piece its the ignition unit playing up


have look  , let me know what find

hope this helps

cheers paul