Yes, you're dead right about all of that, of course
I gave it a couple of teaspoons of oil at one point without much improvement except that it was harder to turn over
To put things in perspective - the property where it is concreted down is my "retirement" project and it's off-grid. I'm just beginning to have a play with some solar stuff . . . .
The CS - I hope - will serve as a prime mover for backup power. I have a nice Markon and an un-tested ST-type Chinese head, either of which can end up attached to it, plus a great pair of heavy Leece-Neville bus alternators to make some 24VDC which I'd like to see attached as well, perhaps
So it has work to do. I already have a CS which is a nice runner and starter with a worn barrel and a 5-stud Indian head fitted with no COV at all. So, because this one has work to do, and cos I'm looking ahead to a time when I may not have the energy or inclination to rebuild one of these, it's probably worth taking this one apart to see what needs doing. I have piston and rings on the shelf, along with a wrist pin, some odd gaskets and bits-and-bobs, plus a spare, complete, 7-stud head with a heater element glow plug insert thingie for where the COV should be. So I may not have to buy much if it's worn internally. Depends on the barrel, I guess
All of which is a long-winded way of saying I'd like it to end up as mechanically sound as I can get it without any real $$ expenditure
If, some time in the future, it can serve to run the welder or big power tools, to charge batteries if we get a few days with no sunshine, or to act as a supply of 240VAC in an emergency - that would be a good outcome
Of course, I might get it apart and find much of it is stuffed - still better to know than not to know, I hope
Cheers