Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): small engen, sears craftsman, cam lobes

Question
i have a sears craftsman tiller 6ph ..im getting to much compression when i try pull start it..i mean lots were it wants tear ur hand off..i take plug out it turns over way it should..and its not flooding out dry on top..i pull it over few times ..put plug in it starts runs good..turn it off try pull it back to same to much compression..how do i fix this or whats causen it do it..ty dave

Answer
David

Have you checked the valves? Because too much valve clearance can cause too much compression. Some engines have a compression release mechanism; some use a spring mechanical lever on the cam but most compression releases are ground on the cam lobes.Secondly, did you check the push rods?  I have found several bent push rods.  A cheap, accurate method to check the push rods is to roll them on a piece of glass.