Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Echo pb260L, vent hose, vent line

Question
thanks for your time.  My 2 cycle blower runs for anywhere from 1-3 minutes and slowly dies.  I can get the same effect by squeezing the fuel line shut.  I have checked spark immediately and have good fire.  I have changed fuel and remixed oil.  I have pulled fuel tank, cleaned and checked fuel filter.  I have tried running without fuel filter.  I have removed vent line and run without. same thing happens at every test.  I have pulled little carb and don't see any thing wrong.  At one point, while running, I opened the fuel cap and it started to die. I closed it back and it picked rpm back up for a couple of minutes and started to die. As it was winding down, I opened the cap agin and it bogged even more, but before it died I closed cap and it picked back up. After this, I tried opening the cap as it was dieing and as I quickly closed it back the rpm would pick back up.  I did this several times and I finally replaced the vent hose. It no longer died when I opened the fuel cap, but still dies after just a few minutes.  Any ideas on what to try next?

Answer
Hello Terry:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool and I can Only Answer Questions from the Question Pool when I am Not Answering Questions here or at the Other Site I Answer Questions at. I See you have Already Cleaned the Exhaust Port and Muffler, so that has been Eliminated from the Possible Causes List. By Opening and Closing the Gas Tank Cap, you have Checked the Cap and it Seem to be Venting the Tank Properly, Judging by your Description as to what Occurs when you were Opening and Closing the cap. When you Cleaned the Exhaust Port and Muffler, did you Look at the Piston and Rings through the Exhaust Port? Was the Side of the Piston Scratched? The Problem you Described is Usually Caused by 1 of the Causes Listed. 1- The Engine Block/Jug Expanding Away from the Rings and this Causes a Lose in Compression. The Compression Loss also Causes a Vacuum Loss to the Carburetor and the Carburetor cannot Draw the Proper Fuel to Operate the Engine Correctly. What is the Compression of this Unit when Cold and Hot (when it Quits)? 2- Have you Disassembled and Cleaned the Carburetor? There is a Small Round Wire Screen Inside the Carburetor that will Stop Fibers from the Fuel Filter from Entering the Main Parts of the Carburetor. If this Screen has a Lot of the Fibers in it then it will Cause the Problem you Described. The Fibers are Sucked Into the Screen and Slowly Restrict the Fuel Flow. Once the Engine Quits, the Fibers are Flushed Backwards and the Screen is Cleared of the Fibers Enough for the Engine to Start and Run for 1 to 5 Minutes and then Slowly Die. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John