It was the one loose screw not tight enough on the gasket. Thanks
New issue: Now I don't have any spark, even with a new plug. The ignition switch is on. I do check the plug in the dark for a spark. Nothing! Thanks., Bob
Thought I'd chime in my 2 cents worth. Your problem with low power output is the screen on the exhaust port as fireman9513 stated. 99% certain. These screens are very fine and you get a build up of carbon and gunk because of excess idling. (Not supposed to let these little trimmers idle for long).
Here's how to clean it.
1. Pull the spark plug wire off plug. (Mandatory)
2. Remove the two 3 mm hex screws on the side of the recoil starter.
3. Remove the 4 Phillips-head screws holding on the plastic cowling.
4. Remove the two screws holding on the deflector (4 mm hex), gasket and spark arrester screen. This is the screen that's clogged. Try to clean it, but if it really bad, just rotate it 180ー and put it back on (only 30% of the screen is actually used, by rotating you will be able to use the other side).
5. While the stuff is off, I suggest you also pull off the muffler and check for carbon deposits at the exhaust port.
6. When putting the screen back on, I find it easiest to tilt the unit back so the screen port is facing up, the you can just lay the screen in place and put the rest of the components back on.
(You may have to replace the gasket if it's torn and hard).
7. Reassemble everything, tighten securely and your done.
This is a 5-minute procedure and needs to be done every 90 days for residential or every 30 days for commercial.
These are cheap and I usually buy extras when I buy one.
As for the failed spark. I guess this is a long shot, but, .....
My neighbor was having problems with his echo. Pull, pull, pull and would not fire. He called me over and I picked up the unit, flipped the switch, pulled it and it started. !!! Shut it off, handed it back to him and he could not get it to start.
That's when I noticed he had forgot to flip the off/on switch to "on". (When it's off you get no spark).
Just a thought, easy to forget.