1320 compression issue solved????

[gary noblit]

Another recent acquisition but in excellent condition,well almost.Machine set in a barn untouched for many years because of starting issue.I quickly found it would almost never roll past comp. stroke tdc.With plug out it turned fine.I ran a compression test was startled to see 200 several times.If you know it has a comp. release that's not normal.There is no way to prove the acr is working without dismantling engine .That means pulling deck,all connections plus engine.This is a stock 12.5 kohler that was original in 1989...All pan bolts are 10mm so my impact whizzed right thru the job.one pic shows old cam gear setting on top of the other that came from nonrunning engine I had saved.I found no visible reason for the acr not to work,the wire size spring was intact,no major wear marks on lifters or cam but slightly off center.The cam from old one looked very much the same.I miced every detail,all within .002 from cam to cam.The original had a few very slight scratches on acr shaft.I replaced original with other cam switched lifters from exhaust to intake .Put it together for trial run.Compression is now 100 and it doesn't stall at tdc.The pic of pan showing oil pump is to show there is a flat the needs to line up with driving shaft so don't "pull" housing together if that isn't lined up. Do I know what changed?? Not really but I'm waiting for bottom seal to put it back in machine and I'm quite sure it will run. the bolt in one pic of acr is to show almost open setting.....One heck of a lot of effort with no great answer !!