So I finally reassembled the machine and tried to start it but it's not working.

Grumpy, I ended up sanding the cylinder by hand with a 400 grit wet and dry. I didn't really have tools nor the expertise to try the wood cylinder trick. I think it should be OK with the brief sanding I gave it though.

Now the problem I have is that when I try to start the engine it starts for like 1-2 seconds (that is if it starts at all). I've seen a couple things that I'm not sure they're right: when I crank the engine the line spool rotates (even if the engine doesn;t start), is this normal in cylinders or do I have a clutch problem? The spool also rotates even at idle for the 1-2 secons (if the engine starts) that the engine runs.

The second thing I noticed is that the breather valve/ vent cap line is full of gas. Is this normal? [Linked Image]