Not24, this engine is known for this kind of behavior, that is the reason it is so cheap. I have been working with a 2300 for a year now and just recently have I gotten it halfway running. It is a power house though, at a cheap price. I find my 2300 runs best with a 17X6 apc and I have even thought of going down to a 17x4 so the engine can revup quickly. The 18X8 is propping your rpms too low even though you may have achieved better results, you aren't in the power band. My engine seemed over propped with the 18X6. I have tried ever trick in the book to get this engine running and the only thing that gave a noticeable improvemant was a home made on board glow to keep the glow plug lit in the midrange rich condition this engine has. I am running an OS #8 plug. Some people use the F plug. Like you I peened the ends of the bisson to give back pressure. Recently due to a deadstick and rought landing I lost one of the stacks and I used JB Weld and a piece of can to close that hole up. Now I only have one stack. Still runs just as well. After I play with this thing some more I may try one of the Jett carbs. I am looking for 3D type performance and I don't know if I will ever achieve this with this engine. Give me a PM if you have questions.