thx for the kind words TCH.unfortunately,i tried firing it up this evening to no avail.this after removing the engine completely today,and checking the o-ring under the carb to see if it was broken. when i try and start it,it just sputters and when i hold the throttle wide open for a few seconds,it fires intermittently.only once did it run for about 5 seconds.then i couldnt start it anymore.wore out the batteries again in the electric starter.i did notice how hot the engine was afterwards from prolonged starting,you could barely touch it.i also noticed that im leaking oil at the rear of the engine by the flywheel.i know its getting fuel because of the raw fuel coming out the exhaust.glow plugs are good as well,i checked b4 starting.this is really ticking me off because i only have approx 3 tanks threw it,so i know the engine is still tight,and ive checked the low and high needles to see if they are where they are supposed to be. i also removed the flexshaft again(i finally got the setscrew out) and cleaned the collet and shaft with alcohol,then i made sure there was no grease in or around the collet and shaft.it still slips in the collet.so, if anyone has any ideas on what to do,please feel free to give me a holler,as im on holidays,the weather has been good as of late,and im itching to get this boat back in the water. i also have ordered 2 new balanced and sharpened props for it, and they should be here next week.