Noticed a strange, oily, slightly plastic smell when running the engine at 3,000 rpm. Decided that the stuffing box might be too tight as the IR therometer shows it reading about 122d. Adjusted it to one drop every 40 seconds.
Had used an hand held electric drill and grinding stone to cut the stainless steel ferrule for the Spinlock tiller extension down. The full length prevented the locking mechanism of the pin, that is inserted into the ferrule mounted in the tiller, from engaging. Ground it down to 27/32" long. Installed the ferrule. Works well.