2 Cycle Engine Maintenance

[xman23]

My 20 year old Redmax backpack leaf blower started not running full speed. It would come and go as I was using it. It's a common 2 cycle issue with the spark plug. As with mine it will look fine, good light brown insulator color. Cleaning rarely resolves it for much time. I keep a few new plugs ready to go in.

 

[aerocolors]

Have you checked the fuel line and filter in the tank? I have replaced lines over the years

 

[Tiewire]

Check the screen in your muffler.

 

[crstrode]

New carburetors are cheap and easy.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Yep most 2 stroke issues are fuel or fuel system. Drain your tank and run carb dry if you are going to leave it sit for a while.

 

[salecker]

Use Seafoam in your gas and a lot of issues will disappear.
New good carburetors are not cheap, cheap chinese ones are and it's a gamble if they work as required.
Rebuild kits are not expensive for carbs

 

[Enplater]

Usually carb or fuel issues. As said before check the spark arrester screen in the muffler. You could buy a small can of vp 50:1 canned fuel and see if that clears it up. Air filter clogged? Compression test, maybe the throttle cable isn’t working right. There are lots of free or close to free things to try.

 

[Sean McGillicuddy]

Seafoam wouldn't hurt