Valve cover w/o decompression lever

[Bill]

I am replacing a cracked valve cover on a Universal M-25. I have a cover that does not have the decompession lever - can anyone think of a reason not to use this cover? I have never had a reason to use the decompression device currently on the valve cover.

 

[Mark M Smith]

YES

If your batterys get low you can use the decompression lever(s) to start the motor.

 

[John Visser]

It can be a last resort

If your engine "runs away" - and starts burning the crankcase oil, at ever increasing RPMs, which does happen, albeit rarely; the decompression device could be the only way to stop the motor. One could also block off the air intake, but you need something strong, like a piece of plywood, to do this, and you'd have to tak ehte air filter off first. If you don't stop it, the motor could explode.jv