sad result today.. would not start... so back into 'theory' lessons.
took the muffler off poked my finger in the hole (spark plug out of course) and felt the top valve rod move... so I had it backwards.
set them again and she's off like a rocket again. does want to stall when with the cutter engaged I hit some dirt, but I back off/out quick smart.

some little backfiring which I will ignore for now.

and I will see tomorrow if my optimism continues.