This problem has everyone confused. I was also thinking that it might be a sticking valve. Haven't checked the valve clearance yet and I just found my timing gun. I did a compression check and its right on the money, 121 psi. I was guessing that if something is stuck closed it might have higher compression and if stuck open lower comp. My spark isn't Big Blue. More of a Wimpy Yellow. I checked my numbers when I did the stator testing and the source coil should be 270-330 ohms and my was 290. the pickup coil should be 171-209 ohms and my was 218. I guess at the time I didn't figure 9 ohms out would make a difference. I called Electrosport and talked with a tech about the numbers. He did seem to think that it wasn't too bad, but he can't make a call about OEM stuff. He did mention that if the stator is not working right it would effect the timing, maybe retard the timing and cause fouling. So I order a stator just for the heck of it. I figure the quad is almost 20 yrs old and it would need to be replaced sooner or later. I wouldn't want it to crap out on me when my wife is on it somewhere in the desert.