....thanks for the help....If I was at the site where the
offending engine was....perhaps I would be more able
to accurately trouble shoot the darned thing....

I was pretty well convinced that the rearward play of
the engines were taken up....by the clearance of the
rod/crankpin (big end) against the rear back-plate of
the motor. Not one to jump to conclusions....I checked
again.... Yep....sure enough (see pic) after
a few hundred starts....and completely wearing out this
poor old O.S. .25,....I can't see any "galling" of the prop
hub against the crankcase. See, no shiny surface.....save
for one scratch....if ya' look real close....probably from
a crash, or a piece of dirt getting in there.

In fact....the prop hub, and washer do not contact the
front of the crankcase....even when pushed rearward as
far as it will go.

I do know one thing about two stroke engines....a sealed
crankcase....will offer better running qualities....than one
with air-leaks....

Flyboy Dave.