decompression lever

[RonMar]

That is not normal what so ever.

Check the battery and it's fluids.

And make sure you have changed out all your fluids.

And all the electrical connections between battery and ground and the battery and starter. The battery ground cable is usually bolted right over paint, instead of having a good metal to metal connection.

 

[ToolManRick]

My understanding is that by decompressing the engine to shut it down could possibly warp the exhaust valves due to the sudden exposure of the exhaust valves to colder unignited air passing through the cylinders.

 

[JohnS]

I agree with Jim, decompression should only be used on a running engine for shutdown during a run-on condition. If you pull the fuel shut-off and she keeps running, the only other option is to choke off the air intake which would take a bit of time.