I suggest you check the amount of movement of the valves. Both should move the same amount, I suspect one is noticeably not. You can check the compression release by removing the spark plug for easy in turning the crankshaft, turn crankshaft clockwise (looking at flywheel) until INTAKE valve starts to close, now turn very slowly, the valve should appear to close then turn a little further and you should see final movement of the Intake valve.

Absent this added movement, you likely have a cam lobe worn down OR the compression release arm is broken or otherwise defective.

Service Manual available along with special instructions at address below, put in proper format and remind me, model number and what you want.

Walt Conner
wconner5 at frontier dot com

Walt I checked the movement of the valves and you were right, the intake only moved about 1\3 of the distance that the exhaust valve moved. Pulled the cam and the intake lobe is gone, totally round. The exhaust is also very worn. Parts are on order. THANKS!!!