One of my echo blowers won't start. It had started on one or two pulls faithfully for 7 years. Only thing I have done is replace spark plug in the past. I always used ethanol free gas but loaned the blower to some family for several months and now it won't start.

When you pull the handle it just never catches. Seems to have good compression.

I replaced spark plug, no effect.

I drained and replaced gas with new non-ethanol gas/oil and replaced carb with new one from china that incudes all new hoses and new air filter, no effect.

I checked and cleaned spark arrestor screen, no effect.

I checked for spark and am seeing a small spark, not very bright but it is there. So I also feel the cutoff switch is working properly.

Could the ignition coil be bad but still create a small spark?

Maybe I just got a bad carb and should try another? I can get a new carb/kit for a little more than a new gasket set for the old carb?

What am I missing?

Thanks for any help. I know I can take in to get serviced but like to try and repair before I give in and take it to the man. Most of what I have done has really only taken about 15-20 min of actual work time.

May sound like a silly question but does it have a kill switch that may need to be put in the run position? My weed trimmers have these. It’s possible regular gas was ran in it while you loaned it out, or even gas that didn’t have a mix to it. Sounds like a coil to me but I really don’t know if it would have a spark at all when it goes out.

I’ll put my money on they used ethanol gas in it and the carb is gummed up.

It does have a kill switch and it is in the run position. Sometimes that can go bad but I get a spark when switch set to run so it is functional.

Yes, I am pretty sure they did not bother to get ethanol free gas. After I changed the spark plug I thought changing out the carb would solve the issue but not so.

Does it have the rubber compression bulb that you have to pump prior to starting?

Most all carbs will run with both high an low screws backed out 1an1/2 turns from bottoming out . Try start few time with choke on. If don t start take out plug. If its wet with gas u have a firing issue. If not wet pour couple oz of gas in spark plug hole. Put plug back in .try start while holding throttle wide open with no choke . If don t start carb not adjusted or diaphram in carb bad . I have used bunch them cheap carbs off ebay with good luck. Most come preset where they will at least start.

Did you try some starting fluid?

I had a Stihl saw that finally wouldn't start and I had to take it in and they replaced some seals in it. Then it ran like a champ until someone stole it.

This is why I won't have anything with a pull cord.

Buy a new one or a broom.

If the bunch that borrowed it snatched the pull cord, like it was their last pay check, that might be your problem. The key on the crankshaft (that holds the flywheel in place) could be partly broken. Just enough to give you a slight spark, but not enough to crank.

Could also be the China carb. It’s hit or miss with a Chinese carbs.

Check the air filter. Easiest way is to remove it and try to crank it. If it works, you know you aren’t getting enough air and need to replace the filter.

Sea foam deep creep. Spray a little in the carb throat before cranking

Tried w/out air filter before I put new one in-did not help

I had read about that, when I pul on cord it seems like I am getting a full crank on the flywheel. I can check that if I end up pulling out ignition coil to test

My blower hasn't wanted to work since I said I do.

I will try this when I get home. I just got to New Orleans for a wedding. Think this number 4 I’ve had to attend in the last year!
Staying at the Virgin Hotel-interesting….

Yes there is a bulb and a new one came with new carb

Take it back to who borrowed it, tell them to get it fixed. Hey, it's a thought.