Cheers thanks. How do I verify that the starter is or isn't dragging?
The best way would to use a known good starter. Other than it takes experience in the feel of the starter as you hand turn it or disassembly looking for wear and rust.
Most of these oppose engines are approaching nearly 20 + yrs old now. I only seen one this in the shop and I couldn't even pull the flywheel because someone a big fat hammer to remove the flywheel previously and then over tighten the flywheel nut with an impact gun.
