Hey guys,

I'm hoping you'll be able to save my sanity!
I've been working on a complete rebuild of a Victa Mulch or Catch MCA201G. The engine was in good condition so I didn't rebuild the internals, however I changed all gaskets and o rings. I've fully rebuilt the Carby, and I've cleaned and restored all the parts, every nut and bolt.

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Now to the problem...

I started the engine on the weekend and it was over revving, so I adjusted the poppet valve and restarted it and it was idling beautifully.

I only had a small amount of fuel in the tank so it started to rev high before I killed it.

After that I couldn't get it to start... The starter cord would jam during the pull but it would still retract. If I pull it slowly it would turn smoothly.

I removed the engine and found that the magneto gap had completely reduced, and I think this was causing it to stick during the pull.

I re-adjusted the gap to 0.25mm using a feeler gauge, re-installed the engine and gave it another go.

This time it would pop, like a backfire, so I figured that the timing was out? But why?
I pull engine out again and found that the gap had reduced again!!!

I have used anti seize on the bolts when re-assembling, I may have put too much and this is causing it to under tighten?? Not sure...

I've cleaned off all the anti seize and re gapped to 0.30mm. I re tightened as much as possible without breaking the bolts. I'll have to try again tomorrow, but I thought I should consult the experts before I go crazy!!!

Any ideas guys? Main symptoms are sticking mid pull (I feel like it is either pressure build up or magneto stopping fly wheel mid spin) and popping/bang during start. Also I don't have blade carrier installed.

Cheers,
GT