RE: engine is squicking
Sounds like your running too rich and not allowing the engine to heat up and establish good running clearances. A squeek at TDC is normal on a cold ABC engine because of the interference tolerence between the piston and cylinder. When starting a new ABC engine you should bring the RPM to close to max as soon as possible to allow the cylinder to expand to running tolerences. Only other potential problem could be gummed up bearings.
Phil