Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh HS50 hard starting, excessive oil consumption, spark plug gap

Question
I have a MTD snowblower with a Tecumseh HS50 motor that is incredibly hard to start. I rebuilt the carb already and replaced the plug and oil. It doesn't seem to matter where the choke is or how much or how little i prime it. It always takes about 10 pulls.(pulls normally) ONce it is running it is fine. Blows snow well although I can't go too fast into the snow or it will bog a little. Other than that it never dies once running.If it has been running for a loooong time it will restart on the first or second pull.Also I adjusted the points. (Maybe they are the problem?) Please help

Thanks,

Brian

Answer
If you are sure you are getting sufficient fuel, the problem may be related to ignition.  Weak ignition spark may require a lower path of resistance (therefore lower voltage) to jump the spark plug gap.  Excessive fuel lowers the path of resistance.  Another problem can be compression related.  The ignition system should produce enough voltage to jump a 1/8" gap.  If the engine is low on compression, it is more difficult for it to create a sufficient pressure drop inside the cylinder at low RPM to draw in fuel.  This can be related to the engine requiring a valve job, worn rings or a malfunctioning decompressor.  You would need to listen for a whisping sound in the exhaust as you crank the engine over to determine if the problem is valve related.  If it's rings, excessive oil consumption is the indicator.  Hope this helps.