Never had a dead stick, never had a problem with this engine since I bought it 9 months ago. People say it's not a good first time four stroke engine but it's my first 4 stroke engine and I have never had a problem with it (except having to turn the engine over without the glow stick in for over a minute sometimes to get the fuel through, which is not really a problem but just an inconvenience when first starting her up).

Will try the regulator but it runs so well when it's going that I don't want to ruin it.

Thanks.