I tried to start it several times last night, each time with at least 12 pulls. I pulled the plug and it was dry each time. I hooked up my vacuum gauge to the impulse line that connects to the carb nipple and fuel flowed easily with very little vacuum.
I did the pressure test on the carb as outlined in the service manual again, where I hook up a pressure gauge to the same carb nipple mentioned above and apply 11psi to see if it bleeds down. It held pressure without bleeding.
I verified spark again with the original plug. I didn't change the plug last night.
I tried starting it with and without the air filter installed. I had previously cleaned the tank vent.
What I've NOT done: Try starting it with starter fluid or gasoline put directly into the cylinder. I've stayed away from the starting fluid option based on its reputation of being not-so-good for engines. I probably ought to do something like that now just to narrow down the possibilities. I've also not checked the ignition switch/wiring to make sure that everything is good there. I suppose that since I have spark, the wiring is not the problem. I do have some question about the settings of the switch. There are four settings for this switch (off, run, semi-choke (after sputter), and cold choke). There does not seem to be a great difference in switch position between the two choke settings. I wonder if the switch is properly getting into the cold choke position.
I did the pressure test on the carb as outlined in the service manual again, where I hook up a pressure gauge to the same carb nipple mentioned above and apply 11psi to see if it bleeds down. It held pressure without bleeding.
I verified spark again with the original plug. I didn't change the plug last night.
I tried starting it with and without the air filter installed. I had previously cleaned the tank vent.
What I've NOT done: Try starting it with starter fluid or gasoline put directly into the cylinder. I've stayed away from the starting fluid option based on its reputation of being not-so-good for engines. I probably ought to do something like that now just to narrow down the possibilities. I've also not checked the ignition switch/wiring to make sure that everything is good there. I suppose that since I have spark, the wiring is not the problem. I do have some question about the settings of the switch. There are four settings for this switch (off, run, semi-choke (after sputter), and cold choke). There does not seem to be a great difference in switch position between the two choke settings. I wonder if the switch is properly getting into the cold choke position.
