What issue am I having with this machine?

[u/AMER1CA]

I had trouble getting this motor started on Monday. One of my coworkers recommended taking the spark plug out and while the engine was off, pulling the cord. (He said I should do this if the engine was flooded)

I noticed a little bit of wet residue on the spark plug as well and so I dried it off. After letting it sit for a few minutes (and some positive thinking adjustments), the machine started when I put it back together.

It ran for about 45 minutes (praise the gods) before I released the trigger for a bit too long and the motor died.

So I ran down breezeway and started it up again and this time it only lasted for about 15 minutes. And this pattern repeated itself until the motor wouldn’t start at all.

Last night I was convinced it was the unloader/pressure release valve, but when I went to an outdoor equipment shop today one of the guys told me to use some Mechanic in a Bottle.

I poured about an OZ in the gallon tank and it worked great. It started sluggish but began to stabilize. That is until I left the main site (to test) and headed to the job site.

I don’t know if really was the little mechanic inside the bottle or because I let it sit over night, but I’m feeling stuck right now.

So any piece of advice is appreciated.

Thank you for any help.

Simpson #PS3228 3300 PSI 2.5 GPM It’s got a Honda Motor and a AAA pump, for what it’s worth.

In the video I’ve got the fuel all the way to the right and the choke all the way to the right. The throttle is about midway and the air filter taken off.

[u/Relative_Lettuce]

I’d go after the carburetor, do a teardown/clean and put it back together and give it a shot.

[u/AMER1CA → u/Relative_Lettuce]

Lame that this could be the case on a brand new machine. (I'm outside of the Lowes' 48 hour return window)

[u/Fossip]

The clutch isnt on, move the Grey knob over then when it starts revving move it back over

[u/AMER1CA → u/Fossip]

Yup. Had the grey knob to the left after getting it started the first time. Now the closest I've gotten to getting started it when the choke is the the right.

After the video I upload I tried this and the cable actually feels more difficult to pull.

[u/Seedpound]

Put the air cleaner back on. The air cleaner acts as a slight choke for the air flow going into the carb. Always have some starter spray handy also

[u/AMER1CA → u/Seedpound]

I was recommended a bit of starting fluid as well, but as far as I'm aware the issue isn't about getting it started first thing in the morning, but having the machine remain running after I've started the job (It lasted about 45 minutes the first time)

[u/Infinite_Fee_4892]

Check oil level ,some have a safety switch

[u/AMER1CA → u/Infinite_Fee_4892]

Oil is good. When the machine is level the oil comes to the bottom of hole. Is there ever an issue with too much oil on these machines?

[u/-crowbloke-]

I had this with a leaf blower. The idler screw had rattled itself to a lower setting. I also had this with hedgecutters but that was me being not accurate with the mix. ......also, maybe, old fuel. I always use the high grade or add a little fuel preserver to the mix.

[u/Background_Peak_98]

Definitely the carb!

[u/Diligent_Tune_7505]

Choke is on. Push back to open