Tim....LOL about 'smoking like a freight train'. Actually, it smokes VERY little. I see a puff now and then when making turns or using more throttle, but it's not like I see any sort of constant blue smoke. Not at all. It does, however, go through a good amount of oil. And when it's running well - like after an hour or so after I start mowing - I don't notice any problems at all. But, since putting on the new electrical components, things are surely much worse.
I appreciate your offer greatly, but since my brother is also a mechanic, has a shop, and has just expressed a willingness to trailer it there (only about 30 minutes from me) to check it out, I believe I'll go that route.
One thing I forgot to ask in all the recent posts and threads, however, is: Can you effectively check the compression on these with a gauge, being that the ACR system is operating? I asked my IH service guy and he said that you can come up with a number but that, due to the exhaust valve being partially held open, you can't get an accurate reading. Wouldn't you have to either run the engine backwards and/or disconnect the ACR springs?
Also...two more items...1) the condition of the battery is questionable. It's 6 years old. Once the engine is running, could inadequate voltage associated with the battery be contributing to poor engine performance? 2) When I try to start it and pull the choke, sometimes it barely wants to crank at all. It cranks better with the choke pushed in. Makes no sense (?)
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