Thanks for the compliment, Paul, but everyone gets it wrong some of the time, especially me.

It is likely that your decompressor is either stuck or worn out. I think the crankcase needs to be opened, whichever of those is the problem. Here is the description from the technical manual:
[Linked Image]

Once you get in there, it should be obvious whether the pin that bumps the tappet upward is badly worn down, or it or the pivoted weight that moves it is more or less stuck. I'm not a fan of the hairpin spring they seem to be using, but I haven't seen the inside of an OHV Tecumseh, so I'm just making blind guesses based on other brands of engine. Please post lots of nice clear pictures, Paul. This thread could become our first OHV Tecumseh classic in the archives.