Hi NormK,
Squirt with starter fluid only bypass the fuel supply into the combustion chamber but doesn't bypass the air since without the air, no matter what, the engine won't fire up. There are five things need to be present to fire up the engine as we knew: fuel, air, spark, compression and timing. One of this if missing, the engine won't fire up. If you squirt with starter fuel but if there's no air going into the combustion chamber during downward stroke, the engine won't start. If there's no air, possibly puffet valve is closed maybe because the control spring pop out or there's a leak in the crankcase o-ring. Timing: I haven't heard PT of any issue with flywheel misalignment but worth checking. Compression: provided the Piston rings are OK, it's mainly the decompresor valve. Hope it helps.
Cheers,
TheCarby
