QuestionI have a Craftsman 200mph blower, model 358.797180. It starts but will not continue to run: starts on full choke, runs fast, move to half choke, runs fast, then starts to fail, move to full choke, comes back, then starts to labor, move to half or full choke, runs fast, starts to fail, move back to full choke....well, you get the point. I suspect fuel problems.
I'm pretty sure the gas is clean; I use it in my snowblower and I always put a drop or two of fuel injector cleaner in the can. I only paid $50 for the blower at Sears and don't really want to take it and pay $50 to have it fixed but I can't find an exploded view of the engine or any instructions on what to clean or replace and how.
Can you offer me any suggestions?
Thank you.
AnswerAt $50 new it is not economical to take it to a repair shop. How old is the blower?
I would start with the air filter and spark plug. Clean the air filter and replace the spark plug...I have seen a lot of problems with bad plugs. Champion spark plug (RCJ-6Y).
I suspect, like yourself, that it is a fuel related problem. On your blower model, the rear engine cover has a large o-ring. Sometimes this o-ring my leak if the plastic housing warps. You can use some Permetex #2 non-hardening gasket sealer to help make sure the o-ring is sealing. All you do is remove the rear crankcase cover to access the o-ring, clean with parts cleaner, and then apply Permetex to the o-ring/housing.
You can find the parts lists at Sears.com, PartsDirect.
You can find the carburetor manual at Walbro.com. http://wem.walbro.com/distributors/servicemanuals/
You should have a WT carb. The repair manuals are available online.
I would also check the engine compression using a compression gauge. You should have at least 90 PSI.
Let me know if any of this helps.
Eric
