OK so I am a bit of dill. I ran out of 2-stroke oil so I just ran it on petrol - was in a hurry to get the lawn mowed.
Well towards the end of the mow it started clanketing clank noises - and gave up in a puff of smoke.
Oh dear - I've been foolish.
So I pull the thing to bits - piston doesn't look too scored from what I can tell.
I put a new head gasket on - reassemble, new spark plug, new air filter, new OIL in the fuel.
No go.
Strip down the engine to bits, wash every bit, curse, mutter, pray, sob..
Re-assemble -
No go.
In the process of all this managed to break off the copper 'kill switch'. Bypass that and keep going.
Damnit!! I read and read this forum seeking answers!! Turns out I had the carburettor springs around the wrong way - so that's why it wouldn't start.
THanks Bruce for posting this:
G4 Carburettor Diagram https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=15455#Post15455So it runs now but guess what!
Clankety Clank still. Backfires and chokes in long grass.
Any hints? My next thought is I've blown piston rings or something similar?
Comments welcome, no need for abuse, I've already kicked my own bum for being foolish!!
<Sheepish grin>
Alwayscurious