Like Rusty says, plus, several things. I doubt that a 12 hp horizontally opposed twin is a model 42--, most likely a 40---, but that doesn't matter. This whole series of engines where prone to starting problems when they aged. The shinny spot in your magnet, sounds to me like the top starter bushing is worn out allowing the armature to drag on the field magnet. Cure, replace the "unreplaceable" top bushing by tapping it with a threading tap and pulling it with a bolt as you would a valve guide. Get new bushing at hardware, farm supply store or auto parts store. The OD will likely need turning or filing down. Almost any B&S starter will fit this by changing the end plate/mounting bracket. Remove starter gear and bendix ass'y, remove two long bolts holding starter together, hold starter body down so brush ass'y doesn't come apart, remove end/mounting plate, place on "new" starter. As a last resort, check the Valve clearances. This does not generally need checked UNLESS someone has recently done a "valve job" on it and as often the tenancy, left excessive clearance "just to be sure". The "easy Spin" cam acts off the Intake Valve Cam Lobe to hold the Intake Valve open very late into the compression stroke to relieve some compression for starting ease. The starters on these engines are taxed to near limit when all is ideal. Almost forgot, often excessive carbon build up in the heads also can cause this condition by increasing the compression ratio, overloading the starter. Walt Conner

robotropolis, you should have good weather. It was gorgeous today! Where are you headed? I'm in the Tampa area. I grew up in Michigan though, so I've experienced plenty of freezing winters. :-) Hollysprings, that plant ledge is deleted in our plan. My thoughts were similar to yours. JenBL, I would not have been against lowering the ceiling if this could have been incorporated in the planning stages. Now, to lower the ceiling to 8 ft. means the ceiling is within 2 inches of the window, which seems to me like it would look low and weird. But maybe I'm wrong? And then how should the rest of the ceiling be framed? Still cathedral starting at 10 ft? Or cathedral but start it at 8 ft? It is really frustrating having this sprung on us last minute. Plus it is hard for me to visualize what it would look like.

Several email utilities send deleted messages from the "inbox" to the "trash" box. Look at the local folders (in the email utiltiy). Do you find these folders, or similar: In, Sent, Unsent, and Trash? The deleted messages are not truly deleted until these have been deleted from the "trash" folder. To restore a message (or messages), go to the trash folder, select (highlight) the desired message(s) to be moved, click on the "move" button and follow the instructions. It should present a drop down menu of folders. Select one and the highlighted files will be moved to that folder.

Wow, all your hard work has really paid off; it's a terrific makeover! The house, yard and garden all look great, and I particularly like the grid details on your porch area. I hope you are spending time out there, enjoying what you have accomplished.