Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Weed Eater Fuel Starvation?, craftsman weedeater

Question
P.K.,

Trying to resurrect a Craftsman model # 358799211 weed eater.  It's been hanging in a hot Arizona garage for about 7 or 8 years without having been started.

It all began when I assumed it would run as it had last time it was used.  Assumptions...  Filled the tank, pressed the primer bulb, and it disintegrated.  When I removed the cover to change the bulb, discovered that all of my fuel line had also disintegrated - in bits and pieces.  So I replaced the fuel line.

Fuel line primed and full choke, a half dozen pulls and it fired - however it won't stay running.  If I hit the primer and fiddle with the choke and throttle, I can sometimes keep it running for as long as a minute before it dies.  I know it's fuel starved as I can hit the primer and it will fire up again.

Now, one observation... when I was replumbing the fuel line (before connecting check valve and filter in tank), I applied suction to that side of the carb (going to primer).  Nothing.  That little diaphragm was stuck or something.  Tried alternating blowing/suction - nothing.  Removed cover and diaphragm to look for holes, etc.  Looked good so reassembled.  After I did, was able to pull fuel through carb.  Weird.

Think that tiny Weber wannabe has a leak?

Many thanks.

Answer
I'm sure the diaphragm is bad after that long.  This weedeater was made by Poulan.  Personally, I wouldn't even bother rebuilding it as you can replace it pretty cheaply.  I have it listed for $26.66.  The problem you run into with these little carbs after they've set-up for a long time is there's little bits of dirt and wax in them and of course all the rubber parts need to be replaced.  I'll rebuild the more expensive ones, but for the price, by the time you pay for cleaner and a kit, you're pretty close to what a new carb would have cost.  And, we scrap at least a third of the 2-stroke carbs that come through the shop that we do try to rebuild because they just won't come clean or there's some other problem.

The part number for your carb is 530071639.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.