Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): starting problems, friends dad, valve clearance

Question
I have a 6.0 horsepower Tecumseh Power Sport Engine With Ac adapter. I run this engine on a Mini-Bike I have built. The engine is only 9 months old and has only been used for 3 of those months and then went into storage for the rest of the time because of winter season. I have just taken it out of storage 3 weeks ago and it ran perfect when I started it and then 6 days later when I went to start it for the first time ever the recoil start pulls back on my arm when I try to start it and now its to the point that its so bad that when I try I have to go slow because It gets stuck and lifts the whole bike up about 12 inches in the air. My friend sprained 3 fingers and his wrist trying to start it and I pulled a musle and sprained a finger in my right arm. Im not sure what to do. My friends dad that took motercycle mechenics 20 years ago is telling me I probably have high commpression or bad valves. Could you tell me what to do to troubleshoot this or get it cheaked out if its something that has to be done by a professional. I see you have 34 Years with tecumseh engines so Maybe you can help me out. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Answer
Hello Cody:

Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. However, Check the Flywheel Key. If the Flywheel Key is Damaged, this Will Happen. If the Flywheel Key is Good, then Check the Valve Clearance. If the Clearance is Not Correct the Compression Release Will Not Work Properly and the Problem you are Having will Occur. The Valve Clearance is: Intake is Set .003in - .005in and the Exhaust is Set .008in - .010in. Since this is a Tecumseh, I have 2 PDF Site Addys that May Interest and Assit you Also. They are: 1- http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf and 2- http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully  

John