Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Carftsman Carburetor (leaf Blower), craftsman leaf blower, piston chamber

Question
I have a Craftsman Leaf Blower (Model #358794960) that will not start. I removed the carburetor and inspected the gaskets which aren't hardened or anything, and cleaned all the passageways and so on. I checked the fuel and see no water in it. The head bolts were lose. I checked the piston and the chamber and neither are scored so I reinstalled the head. By the way, the head gasket is a small rubber ring on the engine block around the piston chamber and that wasn't chewed up or anything.

Things I'm not certain of: 1. If I reinstalled all of the carburetor gaskets correctly, 2. If I should disassemble the needle (?) and clean something there, and 3. If, I need to replace the fuel filter even though the fuel filter looks clean and when the primer bulb is pressed fuel is pumped, it fills with fuel? It really doesn’t seem to be getting fuel, but I can’t for the life of me understand why

What else might be going on?

Thanks.


Answer
Dick
The problem you have is very common with 2-cycle motors that have sat for awhile. The problem is a lack of fuel going thru the carburator. The first thing I would do is check and replace or clean your fuel filter. This may be in the fuel line, in the tank, or on the bottom of the carburator, depending on the manufacturer.
What happens is the gas evaporates and leaves a film of oil. Sometimes complete disassembly and cleaning of the carburator is necessary. Remove the fuel line from the carburator. Turn the gas shut off valve on and insure that fuel is getting to the carburator. If your fuel is not entirely fresh, I would drain it all at this point. If fuel is getting to the carburator, try turning the adjustment valves slightly back and forth, leaving them in their original positions. This may loosen the blockage. Try the mower now with fresh gas. If it doesn't stay running, remove the air filter and cover the air intake with your hand(full choke), while you attempt to start. If this does not loosen the blockage, you will have to disassemble the carb.. If it gets to this point, let me know. I will need to know the carb manufacturer and model, which should be stamped on the carburator.