Not to start a debate on syn vs conventional but it being thick and black has nothing to do with it being conventional. Synthetic gets the exact same way….. especially when you start adding additives.
We use strictly full synthetic on our engine dyno and the oil is black as can be. We also...
Would highly recommend a sanding sealer if you plan on using stain.
If you have access to a compressor, use lacquer and spray it with a $10 HVLP from harbor freight. Will give you a much nicer finish than poly
feel free to prove me wrong. You also just stated to put it at TDC. Also false. You want it at TDC on compression. Setting lash on overlap is not always accurate
first off, throw it away and go buy a stihl.
I was a small engine tech at howard brothers for 6 years. If it has spark, fuel and air....its gonna crank. a sheared flywheel key would cause it not to run. might get some kick back when you pull the recoil rope because its firing at the wrong...