Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 2010 Poulan blower not starting, piston cylinder, compression gauge

Question
Hello Mr. Jones.
Thank you for your time and knowledge.
I am attempting to repair a leaf blower that belongs to a friend of my father.
It is a 2010 Poulan Pro 25cc.
model # BV1M210VS952711936
Family/Disp APWES.0254BM/25cc.oc
According to him it was running well then stopped and we are unable to get it started again. I brought it home removed the spark plug reconnected it to the plug wire, put it against the block then pulled the starter line and it does have a small blue spark. It is also getting fuel as when I pull the plug it is wet with gas. I am fallowing the steps to start it according to the instructions on the blower. I dumped all the fuel (BTW the fuel in the tank was darker than the 40:1 mix that it calls for that I put in it). He did let someone else use it and I thought maybe they didn't get the oil/gas mix correct but the plug looks good and does spark although it seems weak to me but then I am an amateur at this. Any ideas? Again thank you for your time and knowledge.

Answer
Always start with a new spark and fresh fuel.  If the unit will not start you can remove the air filter and try priming the engine with fuel/oil mix.  If the blower does not start when primed you may have an ignition or compression problem.  A compression gauge is required to check the compression.  If you have spark jump across the spark plug then odds are the ignition system is working.  This leaves compression.

You can remove the muffler and visually inspect the piston/cylinder.  With the muffler off, try and start the blower.

Let me if a new plug helps.

Eric