Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): McCulloch gas blower wont stay running, propane torch, spark arrestor

Question
My McCulloch gas powered leaf blower recently became hard to start, and when it does start after about 10 pulls, it won't run on high. It seems to be choking out, even though I have set the choke to open after it warms up (usually about 5 seconds). The blower is about 18 months old and I have used it for approximatly 8 hours of continous run time. Do you think it requires a tune-up, or is it something else?

Answer
Not too much to tune-ups these days.  Replace sparkplug, clean air filter, muffler, exhaust port, spark arrestor and adjust/rebuild carb.

I would replace the spark plug and check the exhaust system.  You will need to remove the muffler and clean the exhaust port.  You can use a plumbers propane torch to clean the spark arrestor...just burn off the carbon build up.

If you have adjustments on the carb, try turning them out a little, less than 1/8 of a turn.

Let me know what you find.
Eric