Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Homelite SX-135 Bandit Trimmer, homelite, fuel flow

Question
Hey Mike,
I have an SX-135 Bandit by Homelite.  Have been using it since 1994(estimated) for timming the lawn and it has done a fine job.  This year im trying to start it up and it will start.  Then all of a sudden it will die and wont start up again.  I have had past problems with it, and i sent it in to get repaired. Last year the guy cleaned the carb and it was up and running. This year I used it twice and it started to act up again.  This time I cleaned the whole carb about 4 times by hand and made sure everything was ok.  I tired starting it once more and it worked, only to die again. It took me half an hour to start it again.  This time I ripped appart the block and cleaned out the cylinder and cleaned up the piston, cleaned out exhaust and carb once more.  After the machine morked for two more total uses until it died again, would only start if you pulled the trigger mabe 25 times no matter how little or how much you try to prime it.  Cant find any problem. Plug looks ok, a bit black thought.  Air Filter was cleaned re-oiled.  Engine was running rough a last use. Piston moves freely, compression seems good. Any help would be greatly apreciated. Thanks


Answer
Hi Mike,

As long as you have spark when it quits and when you are trying to start it, then the problem has got to be a lack of fuel flow.  Comfirm this by squirting fuel into the carbs intake while starting and if you can keep it running by adding fuel.  

Let me know what you find,
Michael