It seems like the marks are covered by the mounting screws on mine. I think you will have to pull the flywheel. Takes an impact to remove nut and a flywheel puller for the removal. Stator is mounted by big #3 phillips heads. Tip: Make your own mark across the stator and case to be sure it is clear where it was before removing the screws. Probably an unecessary check-out. If it is retarded to the point of no bottom, then you have more top. Mine is reatrded that way and still has alot of power on bottom. I'm guessin' there's somethin else goin on. If it runs well, maybe just a gearing issue.