Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): weed trimmer hard to start then runs hot, engine gasket, compression gauge

Question
I have a '97 homelite phantom ss given to me by my brother in-law. He said I could have it if I could get it to run. It starts right up after the first pull but quickly dies. I can get the engine warmed up if I start it then before it dies, choke the carb and I keep doing this til it runs without the choke. When the engine warms up, it runs nearly full throttle. After running it for about 20 minutes it seems to bog down when the blades hit the grass. Giving it more gas just seems to slow it down more and it quits. It starts right back up no problem. But the process of bogging down and quitting becomes frequent. I tried to adjust the settings on the carb but there is nothing to be set and it appears that it is self adjusting. Adjusting the idle seems to be ineffective. Thank you for your help in advance. (I am not sure if I have to check back at this website or will your response will come directly to my email. If you don't mind could you drop me an email on where to check for your response. Thanks again.)

CE

Answer
The first item I would check is the compression.  You will need a compression gauge to check the compression; you should have at least 90 PSI of compression.

If the compression is fine then it could be a carb problem or an air leak.  Check around to engine for any signs of accumulated dirt or oil; this is a sign of an air leak.

Many times the rear engine gasket/o-ring will leak.  Remove the rear engine housing cover, inspect the gasket/o-ring.  Usually some gasket sealer applied to the gasket/o-ring will seal the leak.

Let me know what you find.
Eric