Thanks for all the advice guys
I don't believe in most oil additives, but the last thing I did before posting this yesterday was add in some engine Restorer. It didn't help though, all it did was foul my spark plug quicker because of the red-ash deposits left behind from burning the additive
If I had the money and a backup tractor, I'd give the 129 a break and rebuild that engine asap, but I still rely on her every day....so I guess I'll keep cleaning plugs, adding oil, changing oil, and trying to keep her going. Still has plenty of power and runs absolutely great despite the blow-by.
So, it sounds like a thorough rebuild is costly for this engine...I did find the rebuild kits on eBay - about 103.00 at the time of this post for a master kit that includes rod, piston, rings, gaskets, valves.
What about the balance gears I've heard so much about? Should I remove it while I'm in there? And the governor gear? Replace it with the steel one? Or are these unnecessary repairs? I'm sure it's a matter of opinion.....