I was just talking about retarding the timing on my riding lawn mower and I got banned... :-(
Funny, guess the word "retarding" got you banned?
Not sure what engine you have but most do not have a timing adjustment. If timing is off most likely it is a sheared crankshaft key.
If ever there was a time when “retard” should resume its place in the pantheon of exalted nouns (though you used it in its verb form) it is NOW. Use Jeff Flake’s picture (if necessary) but restore it to its proper place!