The machine starts when the primer is full. As soon as the primer has emptied the machine stops.It seems as though no fuel is getting to the carburettor.

I don't think it matters though somehow storing it level seems more sensible.
It is more important to store it where it will be protected from wide extremes of temperature and high humidity that creates lots of condensation - this is due to the amounts of flexible materials in the motor and the ignition module.

Long term storage should be with an empty fuel tank and the engine run until the carb is empty.

Hi, OK firstly when you pump the primer bulb the primer bulb pulls fuel from the reservoir and pushes it to the carb then after around six to ten pumps the carb chamber is full and the fuel then goes back to the feservoir. Normally if you have a leak on the fuel line you get air in the priming bulb. Next thing is having primed Put the choke on full and pull the engine over a few times untill you hear it fire. Then depress the throttle and put the choke lever back to normal run position and pull the starter a couple of times untill it starts. Thats a pretty fool proff method on all two stroke machines and I have a few. Hope that is of some help.
Steve

Pumping the primer bubble while the engine is running should cause the engine to over fuel and stall (if the tuning is correct). Sounds like its not fueling enough, pumping the primer is forcing fuel through the carb causing the engine to pick up rev's, but this is soon exhausted which is why it wont rev on the throttle.
* Check that the fuel line is not damaged and drawing in air. (if this is intact try the next step)
* Strip and clean the carb. Replace any diaphrams if needed.
* Check gaskets seal between carb, air filter and cylinder.

Just out of curiosity what standard carb settings did you use.?

Even though your vehicle starts and runs but dies, Your fuel pressure doesnt seem to be pushing enough pressure. It could be a faulty fuel pressure regulator.

If stale fuel has been left in the saw then try draining the tank and re filling with fresh fuel, also hook the fuel line out of the fuel tank and replace the filter on the end.

It could be a bad fuel gauge in the dash unit, but....
Usually it's "The bad".
The fuel level sending wipe arm and windings on the fuel sender wear and send erratic readings.The only cure is a replacement fuel gauge sender.
The check engine light should not be related to the erratic fuel readings.
"The good".
If you have over 200,000kms or 120,000 miles on your van you need a new fuel pump anyway,so have a complete assembly put in which will have a new fuel sender on it.

Sounds as though the fuel filter may be plugged. The filter is in the tank. Take a look, see if it is visible. Remove and replace. Good luck...Lee

When you replaced the fuel filter, was it half empty of fuel ? if it was , then its the fuel lift pump thats faulty. Rotate the engine till the cam allows a full stroke of the fuel lift pump primer handle, check the amount of movement of the primer handle and feel of it, that is , can you feel it pulling fuel. If the movemnt is small, then you need to change the pump.

empty the fuel bowl & tank. start out with fresh fuel for one. then get a new spark plug if it still dont start. as far as the cable thats another deal completely but it shouldnt cause it to stall out. but if it ran last year it will this year too. always run it empty for summer storage. its your personal choice if you use a summer storage lubricant.

Hey Karl,

To me this sounds like its getting too much fuel after it has been warmed up so either there is too much gas flow to the unit or there is not enough. check your primer bulb once this happens if there is a full bulb when it shuts down chances are its getting too much gas, if its empty then its not getting enough and your fuel filter could be starting to plug up or is not in the tank properly.