Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Leaf blower, visible cracks, loose bolts

Question


I have a 2yr old craftsman(poulan 25cc 2 stroke)(less than 20
hours)unit that will not start. I have spark but the compression tops out at 85
psi. The fuel mix has always been carefully measured for 40:1. The carb
was not pumping fuel properly so I am cleaning the carb. Could the lack
of compression be due to not enough fuel mix getting into the cylinder?
If i put a little oil into the cylinder the compression comes up a
little. There are no visible cracks in the engine, no loose bolts, no signs
of leaking gaskets.


Answer
Hello Pete,
 If you can take the muffler off of your blower and look at the piston it will tell you a lot.  If the piston still looks good with no skoring or wear it is most likely a carburetor problem only.  It is a common problem on 2 cycle engines to score the cylinder and piston from an improper fuel to oil mixture and have a low compression problem.