Yes, I have removed the clutch and the flywheel, as well as the muffler, and certainly the side panels, but no improvement. Before going further, I'm letting the husband of one of my employees look at it. He grew up in his father's small engine repair business, and now supervises installation of giant backup generators for buildings like hospitals. Maybe he can figure it out.
In the meantime, I have purchased a lightweight 20" bar for my 261cm. It's for 3/8 pitch chain, (the nose sprocket is), and the dealer had to order in a 3/8 sprocket for the powerhead. (The stock setup is .325.) I'm looking forward to the lighter weight. And while trying to figure out the 241cm, I have put my old 211 back to work. Certainly not as powerful, but comfortably light. It has the EZ Start, which is okay, but also the toolless chain tightener, which is not so lovable.