Here in Canada a carb kit is 17$. A brand new carburetor is 65$ and add 15% sales tax. That is why I rebuild them if I can.
To clean the spark arrestor:
Wear cloves.
Grab a torch.
Hold the tip of the screen with a vise grip and get that screen glowing red to burn all carbon off. It's ok if the arrestor is dirty in the corners. You want the center to be clean; where the exhaust escapes.
Ok, I will try that tomorrow thanks for the advice.