[Lochlin]

I got this thing turning. It ending up being an electrical problem......the old bad ground.

After getting nothing on the engine I started tracing electricals. At some point, the solenoid started clicking wildly at which time I knew it wasn't getting enough juice to fully close. My issue was a hidden key switch ground behind the dash that I didn't know about. I replaced it and voila.

With regard the the motor being tight. It actually is. Compression is at 120 psi and factory is 90 - 100 on these low compression 2 cycles.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Here's hoping this post helps a future reader.