Thanks guys.
Oil level is definitely correct as per the manual and oil quality is very good...it is the same Motul engine oil I use in my Honda motorcyles. I treat my tools the way I treat my bikes...if it is fuel, oil or some other product I wouldn't use on or in my bike, I won't used it on my tools. That does bring up another point though, would using high octane fuel (I use BP Ultimate exclusively in my bike and power equipment) have any bearing on this? My MTD 4-stroke (B&S powered) rotary mower has no issues with it, nor does my Stihl 2-stroke blower or my Honda 4-stroke brushcutter.
The gasket and ring kits should arrive in the next couple of weeks, so we'll see how they go along with a valve lap, tappet clearance adjustment and an oil change.
Ben.
