Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Leaf Blower 358.797342, piston damage, craftsman leaf blower

Question
Ran this the other day for about a half an hour it worked fine.  A couple hours later, had problems starting, thought it was flooded.  After a couple of weeks of trying and replacing the spark plug I am ready to toss it.  Definitely getting gas, has a spark.  Took apart and noticed some scoring on the piston (exhaust side) as well as some black gunk.  Lost compression? Something else? Worth repairing?

Answer
Hello Tom:

If the Exhaust Port and Muffler (and Spark Arrestor Screen) are Clear of Carbon and Allowing the Unit to Exhaust Properly, the Unit is Getting Gas, the Plug is Firing and the Engine has Good Compression, then Remove the Flywheel and Check the Flywheel Key. The Flywheel Key Times the Plug Firing During the Power Stroke of the Engine. **Remove the Cover that Houses the Starter Assembly. Use a Bolt the Same Diameter and Threads as the Spark Plug and About 3" Long. Thread the Bolt into the Spark Plug Hole Until it Engages the Piston. Slowly Tighten the Bolt Until you have Locked the Piston and it Does Not Move. **BE CAREFULL  A LOT OF TORQUE IS NOT REQUIRED PISTON DAMAGE CAN OCCUR ID TO MUCH TORQUE IS USED ON THE STOP BOLT** Now Remove the Flwheel Nut. Use a 3 Jaw Puller and Attach the Puller to the Flywheel. Look for a Puller with Flat Jaws. These Slide Under the Flywheel and Allow for Easier Removal. Tighten the Puller and then Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Tighten and Hit Again Until the Flywheel is Loose and Can be Removed from the Crankshaft. Note the Key that Aligns the Flywheel to the Crankshaft. This Key is Most Likely Sheared or Bent and Causing the Plug to Fire Slightly Out of Time and Causing a Compression Lock. There is Not Enough Compression to Kick Back But Enough to Cause the Engine to Seem to Have High Compression.** Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John