QuestionI have a Craftsman leaf blower with a 25cc 2-cycle engine. (Model:358.797341) It starts normally, runs normally for roughly a minute, even with the choke open, then gradually dies. When it starts to die, I can keep it running a little while longer (but not well) only if I close the choke almost all the way. I've tried loosening the gas cap, thinking it may be a plugged vent, but that doesn't keep it running. The carb looks clean with no gunk or black buildup. I took a cover plate off one side of the carb and sprayed some carb cleaner at whatever I could get to. When I pressed a lever in there, it opened a little valve and fuel seemed to flow freely from it. (The valve looked similar to a float valve from a car's carb.) I looked down the intake port and the sides of the piston looked clean and smooth. I don't see any bubbles in the fuel line. The carb is marked "zama" W11B 23A. Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions you may be able to offer to help me troubleshoot this otherwise trouble-free engine.
Answer These models have a bad habit of engine screws vibrating loose
and at the carb base, so wiggle the carb and plug and look for movement or looseness, if all looks OK, you will have to remove and disassemble and clean the carb. Also remove the lever/spring/needle
and blow out that passage and hold it up to a light, and visually
verify that it is clear, it is likely mostly clogged, also blow out the other passages and reassemble
