Chosen Solution
Ok. I’ve cleaned the carb (extensively), even put on a new one. Changed the oil, cleaned the fuel lines (all), new air filter, new spark plug, cleaned the gas tank, new fuel, everything I can think of. All gaskets are present. There is no fuel filter on this model. Throttle and choke checked. No gas leaks, no oil leaks. Any ideas? (Same thing is happening on my TROY built weedwacker also-weird). Pls help! Nicky
I’ve always found the easiest way to determine a spark/fuel issue is to remove the sparkplug, pour a few drops of good gas directly into the sparkplug hole (this can be a little difficult if the sparkplug is oriented horizontally - you can find a way, though), replace the sparkplug and try to start it. (Careful with the gasoline. I don’t want to be responsible for you blowing yourself up!) If it fires and runs for a few seconds, you know you have spark and your issue is with fuel (or air). You said you have a new carb and fuel lines. There may be an air leak in the intake manifold; check all the screws/bolts to make sure they are tight. If they are loose, tighten them sequentially (even if there are only two) a little at a time. Don’t overtighten them - you don’t want to break one off! If it won’t fire over with fuel poured directly into the spark plug hole, then you may need a new magneto. They can fail suddenly. Pretty easy to find online, usually not too expensive, and a fairly easy install if you have basic tools (which sounds like you do). There’s also a lot more detailed diagnostic info for deciding if it’s the magneto online, too. Personally, I would never use fuel containing ethanol in one of these engines. Luckily, I live in a State where uncontaminated gasoline is still available.
