Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman blower/vac, craftsman model, blower vac

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman model #358.797341, 25cc, blower.vac which has performed admirably for several years up to 3 weeks ago.  I can no longer get it started.  I have tried fresh gas/oil mix, new spark plug, cleaned muffler.  With full choke, it fired for 5 seconds and that was it.  Wouldn't fire again no matter what I did.  There is gas getting to the plug and there is a spark.  I can feel compression at the spark plug hole with my finger.  I tried spraying a little starting fluid in there and still nothing.  Any ideas?

ANSWER: Hello Bob:

Check the Exhaust Port. Remove the Muffler and Inspect the Exhaust Port for Carbon Blocking the Exhaust Port. Check the Muffler and Spark Arrestor Screen (in the muffler) for Blockage Also. With the Exhaust Port Clogged, the Engine Can  Not Draw Gas Into the Cylinder. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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. 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

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

QUESTION: John, I forgot to ask you earlier: is there an adjustment for spark timing on this engine?
Bob

Answer
Hello Again Bob:

The Spark Timing is Set by the Flywheel Key. If the Flywheel Key is Damaged, it Upsets the Spark Timing and the Engine will Not Run. The Flywheel Nut is Torqued to 150 Foot Pounds. 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