Hello Bob the timing could be the issue on the kickback did Ralph tell you where he happen to set yours? I plan on the standard 28 Degrees before TDC and adjust as necessary if needed.
The reason the engine looks new is because I just rebuilt it and soaked it in the old Crockpot for a few hours which really does a job of cleaning them up. While it was not all that dirty it still removed any castor buildup it had and came out looking almost new.
I can't tell you how many gallons of glow fuel that engine has thru it, but its alot. It needed bearings so why not go the whole nine and stick a new ring in at the same time.
Frank Bowman has them in stock and I have never been dissapointed with his work and this one is no difference. I think I got the bearings from Paul at RCbearings .com
A very lite kiss on the sunnen hone with some fine stones and I was off and gone.
A g-62 muffler eh never thought of that, i will keep it in mind if the Bisson I have gives me any issues. Thanks
Richard.