So now that I have diagnosed the problem as a bent connecting rod (thanks to several Cog member's response to my plea for cams. See thread title "desperately seeking camshafts"). I am now in search of a solution to this problem. Obviously Kawasaki doesn't care about us any more so I need someone with a junk motor to part with a connecting rod or two. I work in a machine shop so I am considering straightening the bent rod and letting it ride. What do I have to lose?