Homelite Bandit SX135

[steverob]

I've had this strimmer for years - doesn't get a lot of use, but it works well enough most of the time. Until now.
I've been unable to start it, so serviced the carb with a new diaphragm (the old one was a bit wrinkly) and bulb, and cleaned the plug. After a bit of a struggle, I got it going, and let it run for a couple of minutes at full throttle, but then, as I released the throttle, it cut out on idle. So I adjusted the idle screw a bit, and tried again. But now I can't get it to start.
What sort of things should I be looking for to troubleshoot this?
I followed the usual protocol when cold - choke: closed, half-closed, then open. I didn't do that when it was warm. I noticed that the fuel in the bulb is a few mm above the aperture in the base, no more than that - I guess that's normal?

[Mick]

Hi steverob, and welcome to TGMF.

I don't normally touch these half crank engines if I can avoid it, they can be quite troublesome as a rule. 

Did you check all fuel hoses and the fuel pickup filter as well?   

[steverob]

Thanks - yes, I checked the hoses - but the fuel pickup filter? I'm going to have to Google that. I've changed the diaphragm in the past and that's usually fixed things, but not this time.

[Mick]

Assuming you have the intake gaskets fitted the right way around, otherwise the carburettors internal fuel pump won't work. The little pulse hole must line up with the one on the face of the carb.

Other than that I guess it's finally succumbed to a blockage caused by the modern ethanol fuel.  A strip down and sonic carb clean might cure it if you have access to a sonic cleaning tank. Failing that you should be able to pick up a aftermarket carb for just a few pounds which might be worth a try.