Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): briggs and stratton 31c707 0230 e1 engine, briggs and stratton, compression stroke

Question
QUESTION: engine is hard to start. When it starts the muffler becomes red hot.  It has a walbro carb with a selonoid .  Doesn't seem as there is any difference in engine idle while adjusting carb

ANSWER: Has the engine sat a while or did the problem start all of a sudden?

Does the engine run normal before it gets hot?  Have the valves been adjusted?

Let me know.
Eric

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QUESTION: I have had the head off to check the valves. Valves were in
excellent condition I thought maybe the exhaust valve was opening while it was on the firing stroke. Valves have not been adjusted. The engine has very little time on it. It' a 2003. Could there be anyway it could jump time

Answer
Did you check the flywheel key?  These engines are not know to jump time.  Did the engine over-rev at some point or another?

Why do you thing it may have jumped time?
Did you check the valve clearance at top-dead-center on the compression stroke?  What are the valve clearances?
Eric