Hi everyone,
Yes, it was resolved, my apologies for running two threads on same topic. It just took 7 weeks and a day and a lot of patience then day to day hourly appearances at local dealer to push to get it done. It was the MLS valve all along. It was a lack of competence on the dealers behalf combined with an equal lack (in my opinion) of competence and support from Kioti HQ.
Did the dealer try their best? No. Did Kioti provide succinct, responsive support to the dealer? No, not from what I saw (and who knows what goes on in background between dealer and HQ as to why that did not happen).
Dealer could/should have had it resolved in a couple weeks even after receiving a bad MLS valve and then having a tech out... for a 'Top 20' dealer this should have been diagnosed and fixed in under a week in good/normal circumstances, even 2 and possibly 3 weeks. Unfortunately this went on for 7 weeks +1 day.
Good news it that it runs perfect now, I got my field mowed and have run it through its paces to make sure she holds up, so far so good. Good news is also that the dealer called me the day after I got it back to see how it was performing. Yes, I think the dealer cares, but not enough. I won't hold a grudge, but I will share my experience with locals and others in this forum considering buying a Kioti because Kioti HQ was to blame too. I'll take my business elsewhere next time.
thanks everyone !
Erik