Matt,
By not having a blade plate on the shaft you will continue to have a timing problem and it will pull the starter rope out of you hands. So you need to balance the shaft with something. As to the head gasket blowing out I think that the head might be warped so you will have to get it refaced.

Regards,
Bruce

Regards,
[Linked Image]

Bruce


Please do not PM me asking for support. Post on the forums as it helps all members not just the individual.