Weedwacker Poulan Pro getting old?

Question

My weedwacker keeps dying after a minute or two after being turned on. I probably used it on about 10-15 acres for a total of about 100+ hours. Its a $99 poulan pro. Works well and powerful. Full choke it runs less but just about the same as choke off. The only thing different I've been doing is putting it vertical for storage w/ the engine on the floor. I've seen this might be okay as my neighbor puts his vertical but I think the engine goes on top. Maybe a fuel dispersal? Is it getting old? When I pull the throttle it dies. I usually run it pretty good.

Thanks

Answer 1

Here is what I would do.  Slowly pull the starter cord out.  Do you feel definate "hard spots" durning the pull or is does it pull the same all the way out?  If it pulls smoothly all the way it may be low on compression and in need of new rings.  If it seems to have compression, rebuild the carburetor.  You can get a rebuild kit for about $15.00.  The carburetor has diaphrams in it that get old and don't work right.  One of the diaphrams is the fuel pump.  If it doesn't work the engine will die.  The carb job is easy and there are instructions in the kit.

Answer 2

Take it in for a tune up, the carb could use a good cleaning and some new gaskets, or order the kit and do it your self. It might just be and adjustment for the air.