Martin you're right about the crank weight! It's unbelievable how heavy it is.I cut the case fins ,head fins,motor mounts,bracing,muffler mounting lugs,front drive,and o ringed the back plate.The liner and crank are the culprits on the LA65.The muffler went in the trash accounting for quite a few ounces all told.I also glass beaded that terrible blue off all of it, figured it would help cooling.Used all the high tech machine tools we all possess...dremel tool,1 inch ribbon sander,grinder,and anything else that costs $9.00 at harbor freight store that will remove metal. LOL Willis got 70 foot lines and a different prop for sunday and as soon as I get my arm back in my shoulder I'm ready to let her rip. Jim Welch