AVB,
not sure how Phil can test if it is starter or worn cam compression ramp. If it is the cam ramp what are your thoughts on fitting a manual decomp valve in the head?
Well that can be problem for an individual but for a shop it shouldn't too much of a problem as the engine uses a fairly common Briggs starter and a known good could subbed temporarily for testing. Personally I would think it is more likely a starter problem but that is just experience here considering the engine is 19 yrs old.
Not about a manual decompression valve, I suppose it would work but I have only seen them on chainsaws and old ATVs here.
