niper99

the finger keeps the belt from coming off the pulley when relaxed (auger disengaged) so no it doesnt keep tension on the belt.

l'm not 100 percent sure but l think the newer ignition coil (electronic) dont have the same bolt pattern and wont fit your motor. on the smaller engines up to 8 hp single cylinder u can buy a universal kit to replace the points ( $15.00), l would phone your local parts store and ask them what they have for 16 hp twin cylinder.

just my two cents, l personally would learn how to use it better but if its harder than shoveling a 80' driveway !!!!!!

stupid question but is the oil level correct?

if the piston rings are worn u may have excessive blow buy which could cause oil in the air filter, u could remove the breather hose going from the valve cover to the air filter housing and run the engine and see if there smoke coming out of the breather hose if so just keep it disconected so it doesn't saturate your air filter, the oil could also be leaking past the valves into the cylinder l'm not sure if they use seals on the valves or not if they do u could replace them.

the engine may be running rich, is it smoking (black) while running?, its more than likely a sticky float needle not closing and the fuel is draining into the cylinder and leaking past the piston rings. causes may be a gummy carb/ bad fuel line/ dirt in fuel tank. if u want to fix it right the first time get a carb kit replace the fuel line clean the gas tank and when u add new gas pick up a can of seafoam and add some to the fuel.