Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman blower, compression gauge, plug hole

Question
QUESTION: Does not have a model number on it that I can find. Just a small 2 cycle engine. New plug,does have spark. Carb was cleaned with carb spray. Primer blub does work,But I do not even get the engine to pop when I pull the cord. Does not pop once even after spraying starting fluid into the throat of the carb. Looks like the carb is a hard mount to the engine block. What I maen is there are no gaskets between the carb and the engine ,nor the plastic cover on the front part of the carb. What I do see when looking into the engine when I pull the cord is the piston moving back and forth but when the piston pulls back ,I never see the top of the piston. Is that normal on these small blower engines.
Why cant this fire off. Simple engine,,well it is suppose to be anyway.
Dave

ANSWER: Have you checked the compression.  Usually if they will not even pop with starting fluid you either have a compression or ignition problem.  Since you have spark, the most likely problem is compression.

I am a little concerned that there is no gasket between the carb and block.  Without a gasket the fuel will usually leak out before entering the engine.  Additionlly, the carb will not function properly.

Will the engine pop if you squirt a little starting fluid directly into the spark plug hole?  Do you have or know someone who has a compression gauge?  How old is the blower?

Let me know.
Eric


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Eric,
Tested the compression. It was 90. I heard if they are much under 100 they are pretty well junk. Is this right??
Dave

Answer
I have had some run on 70 psi but there is absoulty not power, they barely idle and are very difficult to start.  Most of the time I can get them to run alright on 100 but you never know when teatering on the low limit.

How old is the blower?
Let me know.
Eric