Expert: Jason Place - 7/8/2009

Question
This engine sometimes has a kick-back problem when I am trying to start it.  It is so bad it is dangerous.  My first thought was the timing advance because it also knocks when at low speed under a load.  The timing is not supposed to be adjustable but you can get an offset key.  I also wonder about the compression release device not working but this thing kicks back really hard and sometimes makes a popping noise I think out of the intake.  Can the tinning be wrong due to some problem or do you think the compression release might cause this?

Answer
hello Bill,
There could be a couple problems that would cause this.Yes it could be a timing issue? Does it have a keyway that might be bad causing it to be slightly out of time? Another possible cause could be a valve sticking,whether its an intake valve or exhaust valve.I f I were you I would look and see if it needs a new keyway to get it back in time! If that's not it you may have to check the valves? Hope this helps,
Jason