After ten months without use, I start up the Homelite Mighty Lite 26cc gas model blower/vacuum. It runs on half-choke for about 30 seconds and dies or sometimes a few seconds on run and dies. The vacuum pull seems weak.

Sounds like a lean condition. Rebuild carb, replace fuel lines and fuel filter and you should be ready to blow the leaves.

Homelite Mighty Lite engines require the gas/oil ratio to be mixed at 50:1. That is 2.6 ounces of oil per gallon or 1.3 ounces of 2 stroke oil per half gallon of gas. I recommend using synthetic oil. It lubricates much better, allows the engine to run cooler and smokes less.

sounds like an air/ fuel mixture/ratio problem.there should be two screws side by side near the carb. crank trimmer and slowly adjust screws, in or out, till engine runs smoothly..

the problem is in the carburetor most likely, it may be cleaned and adjusted, if not it will likely need a new carb

I had the same problem. I took it to the dumpster and used my old echo that I purchased in 1986. The Homelite was 2 years old. My sugesstion is to dump it.

1. check fuel filter in gas tank (for clogged condition).
2. Check carb jet for dirt (squirt carb cleaner in jet and fuel inlet

Summary: your carb is not getting enough fuel to mix properly with constant air flow. Therefore, fuel supply needs to be cleaned... then you will run happy!!
-Jim

Start your adjustment by turning both screws (gas and air) all the way in and then back them out one and a fourth turn. Start from there. Hope this helps.

You need to disassemble the carb. and spray with carb. cleaner. If you need tips on how to do this, just let me know. You may need a new carb. kit as well, but we won't know that until you first perform the first step, or if the carb. parts are more than 3 years old. If they are, then go ahead and buy the carb. kit and replace the parts.

Jim

did you try fresh gas

check the fuek lines for hole and leaks, check the fuel filter and clean if necessary. remove the carbuerator and inspect the gasket; it should be soft and flexible, if it seems hard or brittle replace it. clean the carb with carb cleaner sray (available at any local auto parts store) and compressed air. make sure you get inside the small fuel rail holes. if that doesn't work have the carb repaired at a service center or replaced.