Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): tecumseh ( crafstman) carburator, head gasket, lawn vacuum

Question
John, I have a Tecumseh powered lawn vacuum with a problem. Model number is 143.014500, Family number YTPXS.1951BB, DOM 1032K. It will only start and run with several priming pumps and full choke. The book states it should only be choked when it is below 32 degrees. After a few minutes it will run unchoked but seems weak. I looked for the main mixture screw but I think it might be capped by a small plastic plug just above where the bowl meets the body. The idle mixture screw is higher up o the body. Is plugged one the right screw? I know Rochester carbs from the 70's were mandated to have the idle screws plugged, was this done with mowers? I also ran a compression check on it but was only getting 50#, this seems a little low to me, could you tell me what i should be seeing? Thank you for your help, Chris

Answer
 Hello Chris:

 The Compression Should be 70PSI Minimum. The Power Loss is in the Low Compression and this is the Reason for the Hard to Start and Needing the Choke to Run Until the Engine Heats Up enough to Expand the Piston and Increase Pressure in the Cylinder. With Low Compression the Vaccum is Weak Also. This Makes it Hard for the Engine to Pull Gas through the Carburator Jet. Check the Head Gasket. If the Head Gasket is Good, then a Short Block is Required. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John