ORIGINAL: altavillan
Did you check for clearance between the crank shaft and the reed cage? With the angle of the reeds they can open and contact the crank so they need slightly more room than you might think. Best to call BME and ask how much they recomend.
And good luck with the engine yer gona love it.
I pushed each reed as I turned the crank. You're right, they do need a little more clearance than the block.
Thanks,
Shaun