2 cycle lawn tool troubleshooting

[spidey07]

It's a homelite leaf blower. Typical 2 stroke motor. It starts pretty well but when it warms up the motor will rev high, then sound bogged down, rev high, bog down. The time between this constant cycling is about 3 seconds.

What's strange is the effect isn't as bad when I leave it half choked - the choke has 3 positions start, half, open. Does this mean it's starved for fuel or air? When it bogs down it sounds too lean, would this be why half choked it runs a little better, but still same symptom?

Thanks in advance. I've replaced fuel/oil mix with a fresh batch, no go.

-edit-
crud, thought I was in garage. Move please.

 

[conehead433]

It may be that the bolts holding down the carburetor have loosened due to vibration. Try tightening them and see if it doesn't run better. Unfortunately they'll loosen again

 

[wedi42]

if it runs well on half choke, it means it's not getting enough fuel.
clean the carb

 

[spidey07]

Thanks, so sounds like too lean then. Probably why it starts happening when the motor is warmed up.

 

[imported_weadjust]

My string trimmer was doing the same thing. I took apart the carb and the fuel filter/screen was partially clogged. Cleaned the screen and it solved the problem.

 

[Dead3ye]

If it has been sitting around for a couple of months, sometimes the jets in the carb get tarnished and clogged.

 

[MorrisDancer]

Your getting lots of good imput. They all could be your answer. I never had a two stroke that worked until I got good ones. I bought the Echo power head and have added as I go. Always starts and works. I do not buy cheap oil to mix. I have stuck with their brand. I also have a backpack blower of theirs. I don't use them that often have had them for over three years and no problems. My yard is over 40000 square feet. When Iuse them they get a work out. I WILL NEVER RAKE LEAVES AGAIN.

 

[spidey07]

On the topic of really good lawn tools, I've got some Stihl things. They're really incredible and the motors are powerful and run like a champ.

Being wanting one of these for a while. Normally the multi atttachment models suck but based on other Stihl things I have this should be awesome.
http://www.stihlusa.com/multitask/MM55_attachment.html

 

[ManyBeers]

Wouldn't hurt to check the spark plug, mavbe, replace it.

 

[FlashG]

I have Echo power lawn equipment except for my leaf blower which is a Stihl. The Stihl blower beats the Echo in price, performance and low sound level but is hard starting. Follow everyones previous suggestions and only use the same brand of oil as your equipment. Once the Stihl gets warmed up it will run all day.

I got my 10 year old Echo weed wacker serviced at the beginning of the season and it had a cloged filter screen as well. It dosen't always start on the 1st pull but it always starts. My newer Echo edger always starts on the first pull.

One major advantage of both brands is the availability of parts and service. I had a green machine edger that was strong running but I couldn't get parts for. So now it's junk.

 

[Dead3ye]

Originally posted by: FlashG
I have Echo power lawn equipment except for my leaf blower which is a Stihl. The Stihl blower beats the Echo in price, performance and low sound level but is hard starting. Follow everyones previous suggestions and only use the same brand of oil as your equipment. Once the Stihl gets warmed up it will run all day.

I got my 10 year old Echo weed wacker serviced at the beginning of the season and it had a cloged filter screen as well. It dosen't always start on the 1st pull but it always starts. My newer Echo edger always starts on the first pull.

One major advantage of both brands is the availability of parts and service. I had a green machine edger that was strong running but I couldn't get parts for. So now it's junk.

I have a Stihl blower and it starts like a champ. My chain saw is a Stihl as well. That sucker is about 25 years old, cuts at least 15 pickup loads of firewood a year and still runs great.

Weed whacker is a Troy Built and I'm ready to wrap it around a tree. Shoulda bought a Stihl.