Sorry folks I should have mentioned that....
Yes I have backed out the needle valve in increments (first 1/4 turns and then 1/2 turns) after each adjustment I would raise the nose and still the engine would sputter and then quit at vertical. I eventually backed it out all the way and the needle valve came out (obviously I went too far that time.) I have also leaned it out in small increments just to make sure but no luck. I have also replaced the fuel pick up line in the tank as well as the tank itself and all of the external lines. I have bypassed the fuel dot (someone suggested that might be the culprit) but the problem persists. I have taken the engine off and am planning to run it on a test stand to see if I can duplicate the problem.
I am going to replace the glow plug as well. I have been running an 8 but will get an A3 as well to try.
After taking the engine off and turning it over by hand, it still has good compression and I can’t feel any rough spots. I will put on the stock muffler on the test stand as a test as well.

The next step after I put it on the test stand and the problem persists…Replacing the needle valve and the carburetor “O” rings.

Am I forgetting anything?

Thanks you all for your suggestions. The best one I have received so far is from a fellow club member. “Persevere”. So I am not going to give up on this engine. Even though it feels like it has given up on me.


John