Thanks Av8tor,

Your secret may be running the glow engine dry before oiling it with ATF.
Mine was liberally treated with ATF about 12 years ago, but it wasn't run dry first.
My guess is that residual caster in the front bearing area hardened over the years.

Another recurring area that requires heat is the throttle barrel.
Guessing not enough ATF washes through that area to get all the castor out.

Happy New Year!