KC said:

On Mar 21, 5:22*pm, Eggs Zachtly wrote:

The fuel in a cold engine is sticking to the cylinder walls due to
condensation, making the mixture too lean for the engine to start. The
choke system will add fuel to the engine to compensate for the fuel that is
stuck to the cylinder walls. Once the engine is warmed up, condensation is
not a problem, and the choke is not needed.


Thanks Eggs. Makes sense, but why would starter fluid not stick to
the walls also?

Some does, but since it's much more flammable than gasoline, once any
ignition source is applied... *boom*.

It seems that when starter fluid is used the warmup
time is greatly reduced. Is that because it burns hotter?

Yep. Much hotter.



If the gaskets were worn enough to affect the fuel mixture that
drastically, the carb would most likely show signs of leaking fuel (the OP
stated nothing about any leaks), especially at startup /and/ if they're
*that* worn, the engine wouldn't "run fine" after it warmed up. Each pull
of the throttle would suck in more air than needed. And the engine would
again run too lean.

No leaks.


Rebuilding the carb /may/ help. So would a new plug. But, not because of
dried out gaskets. My guess would be a either a jetting or compression
issue.

Compression was my first thought but then I talked myself out of it
because it runs good after it starts. But then again I can't tell the
difference between 150mph air from a new unit and 120mph air from a
worn unit, can I.

Starting fluid, used in emergency situations is fine. Used all the time, is
not good, and can do damage to the cylinders, that will eventually wear the
parts quicker (resulting in even lower compression).


It's an "older leaf blower with a fair amount of use to it". It's probably
time to break down and get a new one.

I tend to keep things until they just get to be too much trouble to
fix. Since this one runs ok after it starts, its not quite time to
dump it. Just a PITA to remember where I left the can of starter
fluid after I used it last.

Maybe take it to a local small engine repair shop and have them give it a
once-over. I keep stuff a long time too, but you just reach a point. Ya
know?
--

Eggs

- The Lady of the Lake-- her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held
aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine
providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your
king!