Any small engine that isn't regularly started, I try to run its carburetor dry. I do this on my generator with a fuel cut-off valve. On my chain saw, I empty the tank and run it until it dies.
At the end of the season, I run my lawn mower engine until it runs out of fuel.
On startup, a shot of ether helps a lot, particularly if it isn't too warm out.
I switched to Mobil 1 in all my air cooled engines. On the 2 cycle ones, I haven't done anything to them except to run them dry on shut down at the end of the season or every time on the chain saw.
Sea Foam is supposed to be especially good for both 4 cycle and 2 cycle engines to clean them out before shut down. Some choke them down with too much of it to shut them down. I haven't done this yet, but I have to do something to my 35 year old Stihl. It started the other day instantly with some ether and usual full choke, fire, half choke startup. When I got ready to take it off half choke and use it, it died and wouldn't restart. It's gonna be a bear to get restarted with fuel left in the carb. Left fuel in the carb ONCE in its life and had a time getting it going.
My experience on any 2 cycle engine is you GOTTA open their throttles wide open to start them. The Stihl has a throttle stop that keeps it open when cranking, but on my little multi-use 2 cycle engine I just hold its throttle wide open. The Lawnboy is wide open with full choke to start it.
Ralph
